MPHWIYO’s CASE ADJOURNED TO SEPTEMBER

Lilongwe High Court Judge Justice Michael Mtambo has adjourned the case of attempted murder of former Budget Director Mr.Paul Mphwiyo to September 22 2014.

The adjournment was made on Friday morning during the third day of Mphwiyo’s testimony to the case.

Former Justice Minister Ralph Kasambara,Pika Manondo, Dauka Manondo, Robert Kadzuwa and Macdonald Kumwembe are the one’s answering murder charges and conspiracy.

Earlier, lead prosecutor Enock Chibwana has asked for the adjournment because the second prosecution witness, gun-shot survivor Mphwiyo is supposed to undergo routine medical checkup in South Africa from August 18.

Chibwana said Mphwiyo returned home solely for the case and asked the court to reconvene on the third week of September.

But the defence led by Kasambara, who’s is representing himself, objected to the date opting for the case to start earlier.

“Your Lord, the money for one of the accused is locked up with the police. If the case takes long, it will lose its value since there are not interests added”, he said.

Police broke into a safe deposit box at First Merchant Bank (FMB) belonging to Manondo where they retrieved US$184 000 (about K75 million) in cash.

Kasambara added that his Mercedes Benz and a Manondo’s Toyota Fortuner are also in the hands of the police so he was worried with their condition.

Chibwana told the court that the said vehicles will be used as exhibit in the case.

“But your Lord, the state can take photographs and use them in court as they have already set a precedence in using evidence”. chipped in Kasambara.

In his ruling, Judge Ntambo said the vehicles be released forthwith and photographs be taken to be used in court.

The state prosecution has eight witnesses to parade in the case.

The shooting of former budget director led to the revelations of plundering of public funds at Capitol Hill dubbed Cashgate by the media.