Malanji remains in jail as court rejects bid to ‘spend appeal time at home’

Through his lawyers, Makebi Zulu Advocates, Malanji argued that his appeal raised important legal questions, including whether a company director can personally answer for company property.

He also complained that by the time the appeal is concluded, he may have already served a good portion of his sentence.

However, the National Prosecution Authority opposed the application, saying Malanji’s arguments were not groundbreaking legal matters but ordinary disagreements with the trial court’s findings.

The State further reminded the court that the Economic and Financial Crimes Court moves faster, meaning the appeal would be heard within set timelines.

After examining the application and the 14 grounds of appeal, the judges concluded that Malanji’s chances of overturning the conviction looked slimmer.

They ruled that complaints over evidence, valuation of properties and company liability had either already been dealt with or did not amount to exceptional circumstances.

The court also said serving part of a sentence is not a free ticket to bail.

This means Malanji remains in lawful custody while his helicopters and Silverrest properties continue resting in State hands.