By Taonga Kaipa:
The Lilongwe Magistrates Court has ordered economist Collins Magalasi to remain in custody until September 11, 2026, when he is expected to return to court in a case in which he is facing theft and money laundering charges linked to the Amaryllis Hotel transaction.
The order follows an application by the State for additional time to facilitate ongoing investigations into the matter.
The court considered Magalasis bail application on Friday, before directing that he remains in custody until next week.
Defence lawyer Andy Kaonga said the defence would await the courts detailed ruling to understand the reasons for denying bail, noting that six other accused persons in the same case had been granted bail.
“We will wait for the courts ruling because that is what will help us understand the reasons for the decision,” said Kaonga.
The defence also raised concern over Magalasis health, telling the court that he had been unwell since Monday.
The court has allowed him to seek medical attention at his own cost.
Kaonga said the defence would provide relevant medical documentation when Magalasi returns to court on September 11, explaining that it was difficult to obtain such documentation while his client remained in custody.
The State is continuing with investigations into the allegations, while the matter remains before the court for further proceedings.
