Two last State witnesses in a K10.5 million abuse of office case involving former Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (Mera) Chief Executive Officer Collins Magalasi have told the Senior Resident Magistrate’s court in Lilongwe that the Authority paid for accommodation of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) convention delegates in 2018. 

According to the first witness – Kajedza Lodge Manager Mohammed Aswani, said the then DPP Campaign Director Ben Phiri told him that Mera would be responsible for the payment of the accommodation after sourcing a K4.6 million quotation.

But rendering his testimony, Aswani said the Authority only paid K3.9 million for accommodation of 71 guests.

Another State witness, detective inspector John Petro said Magalasi advised the lodge manager to offset an upfront payment of Mera Conference.

Meanwhile, the State says it has completed its prosecution case and the onus remains with the court to determine whether the accused has a case to answer.

“We have brought everything to court, we finished our case as the State and we have closed the case.

And it’s up to the honourable court to make a decision on whether the evidence speaks to the charges that are before court,” said Steven Kayuni, Director of Public Prosecutions.

On his part, lawyer representing the accused Ephraim Chikwakwa said the State has failed to prove how Magalasi influenced payment of the accommodation fees.

He argued: “The payments were made in accordance with procedures as laid down by Mera rules and regulations, and some payments, as it has been demonstrated were paid because the event didn’t take place.

So in our view with think that there is no case thay is being led out against the accused persons and I think there was no fraud or abuse of office.”

Magalasi is answering two counts of abuse of office and fraud.

Magistrate Florence Msekandiana has set August 18 2022 as a date she will deliver her ruling on a case to answer.