MPHWIYO’s SHOOTING SUSPECT WANT JUMBE, MAKANDE IN COURT AS HIS WITNESSES

Drama continues to lock the shooting case of former Budget Director Paul Mphwiyo as the first accused has asked former United Democratic Front (UDF) Minister of Finance Friday Jumbe former People’s Party Spokesperson Hophmally Makande to appear in court as his witnesses.

Macdonald Kumwembe, former Malawi Defence Force (MDF) soldier said this on Friday during close examination by Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Mary Kachale in the capital Lilongwe.

Kumwembe told High Court Judge Michael Mtambo that other witness may include Patrick Gada and Robert Asamu who may appear in court depending on the guidance of his legal team.

Mr. Kumwembe also told the court that he has dropped two witnesses in the case considering that they are civil servants, saying he don’t want to see them lose their job.

The former MDF soldier also has asked the High Court to consider bringing in court the recordings of the statement said by Mphwiyo’s security guard just after his shooting, saying the recordings contradict with his testimony.

Kumwembe also withdrew his earlier claims that the State was threatening some of his witnesses.

Kumwembe is jointly charged with conspiracy to commit murder alongside former minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Ralph Kasambara and businessperson Pika Manondo.

Meanwhile the case has been adjourned to 4th and 5th January 2016 when Kumwembe is expected to parade his witnessed and the state shall start cross examine second accused person Pika Manondo and third accused person Kasambara.