The State has commenced parading witnesses in a case involving Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (Mera) Chief Executive Officer Dr Collins Magalasi, who is alleged to have diverted funds amounting K10.5 million from Mera to support a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) convention in 2018.

On Tuesday afternoon, hearing of the matter resumed before Senior Resident Magistrate Florence Msekandiana in Lilongwe after multiple delays.

Delivering her determination on an earlier application by the State to have bail for the accused revoked, Magistrate Msekandiana told the defense that court will consider striking down the bail if the defense continues delaying the proceedings.

Meanwhile, Consumer Affairs and Public Relations Manager for Mera Fitina Khonje, who appeared in Court as the first witness said she was not aware of community sensitisation activities that the Mera CEO requested funding for.

“The matter has been adjourned for numerous times and that the matter needs to gather some grounds, so today the honourable court for the sole reason that Counsel same chambers was in attendance and that the matter will just be for one witness in chief and adjourn for cross examination.

“We have led the witness in chief as to what transpired at that particular time on the matter that is before court and that we wait for cross examination and re-examination at the date that the honourable court will set,” said Dr Steven Kayuni, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

According to Dr Kayuni, the state has about 9 witnesses who are expected to testify in the court.