Chief Resident Magistrate, Simeon Mdeza has granted bail to business tycoon, Thomson Mpinganjira, who was arrested on allegations that he planned to bribe judges hearing of the case.

Mpinganjira who was formally charged this morning on three counts applied for a bail that was presented by Senior Counsel Patrice Nkhono. His application was not challenged by the ACB and the court had the duty to determine if it is in the interest of justice to release him on bail with or without conditions.

The business tycoon who hails from Dzungu Village Traditional Authority Bvumbwe in Thyolo has been granted the bail on conditions that he pays K1 million cash bond and non-cash bond of K5 million and surrender his travel documents to the courts.

He Has also been asked to appear before any ACB formation once every fortnight on Mondays and produce two reliable sureties tied to a noncash bond of K3 million and not to interfere with the ACB’s witnesses.

Mpinganjira is also expected to inform the ACB, in writing, if he wants to travel outside the country.