The governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) strategist Collins Magalasi has been REFUSED bail and thrown back into Maula Prison on remand following his arrest over a explosive multi-billion kwacha money laundering scandal. The Lilongwe Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court slammed the door on Magalasi’s bid for freedom, ordering the economist and top politician to remain behind […] The post Court orders sick Magalasi to stay locked up over Amaryllis hotel money laundering probe appeared first
The governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) strategist Collins Magalasi has been REFUSED bail and thrown back into Maula Prison on remand following his arrest over a explosive multi-billion kwacha money laundering scandal.
SICK IN A CELL! Court orders Magalasi to stay locked up
The Lilongwe Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court slammed the door on Magalasi’s bid for freedom, ordering the economist and top politician to remain behind bars until at least September 11.
He is set to face the Chief Resident Magistrate, who is overseeing the mounting legal case against him.
However, the court granted a plea from his lawyer, Andy Kaonga, allowing the sick DPP chief to receive urgent medical treatment after falling ill in custody earlier this week.
The drama centers around jaw dropping investigation into the controversial purchase of the plush Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre by the Civil Servants Pension Trust Fund.
Magalasi—a former chief executive of the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) and former economic adviser to ex-President Peter Mutharika—was scooped up by law enforcement following allegations of massive cash withdrawals totaling over K5 billion.
Investigators claim the cash was hauled out of bank accounts by proxies and handed directly to Magalasi, with dramatic reports emerging of armed escorts and millions being moved under the guise of official business.
This is not Magalasi’s first brush with the law. The embattled politician has previously faced separate charges over the alleged diversion of MERA funds for political activities, as well as a sensational cybercrime case involving the alleged hacking of government phone numbers.
Now, with the court taking a hardline stance on his detention, the disgraced ex-chief faces an anxious wait in his cell as prosecutors tighten the grip on the escalating hotel fraud probe.
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