Kasambara’s sentencing to go on despite an appeal

Information sourced by FaceofMalawi indicates that sentencing of former Justice Minister Ralph Kasambara and two others convicted of conspiracy and attempted murder of former Budget Director Paul Mphwiyo will go on despite an appeal.

High Court Judge, Michael Mtambo, sitting in Lilongwe on July 21 this year, convicted Kasambara of the offence of conspiracy to murder and MacDonald Kumwembe and Pika Manondo of the offences of attempted murder and conspiracy to murder.

Mtambo set August 22 as the day that he will deliver his judgment on the three convicts but on Monday the three appealed their conviction at the Supreme Court.

The three argued that Mtambo erred in law and fact in refusing to recuse himself when there was ample evidence of his being apparently biased against them right from the start of the case up to the time when he suddenly revoked the bail for Kumwembe and Kasambara.

While confirming of an appeal, Judicial Spokesperson Mlenga Mvula said Kasambara’s sentencing will go on.

Mvula said Kasambara and two others appealed against the conviction and not the sentencing which is yet to be delivered.

He said currently the court is making arrangements on the appeal and to appoint a Judge who will preside over the appeal case.

“Lilongwe Registry is now compiling all the documents related to the case so that they can be referred to the Supreme Court for hearing. After everything, the court will be able to set the date for the appeal case,” Mvula said.

Meanwhile the state is yet to respond on the appeal.