Mutharika’s stepson Tadikira pleads not guilty to 12 counts

Son to former first lady Getrude Mutharika Tadikira Mafubza and five others have pleaded not guilty to six counts of manslaughter and another six counts of aggravated human trafficking charges at the Mzuzu high court today.

The case is in relation to the death of 30 Ethiopian nationals that were found in a mass grave in Mzimba.

This follows changes to the charge sheet where the six were previously charged with two charges of murder and aggravated human trafficking.

During the court sitting that lasted for about four hours Judge Glady Gondwe has also given bail to the five other co-accused in the case, Mafubza was himself given bail last January.

These include driver of the van which is suspected to have trafficked the 30 deceased Ethiopians from Songwe border in Karonga to Mtangatanga forest in Mzimba.

During the hearing Judge Gondwe made each of the accused separately take plea for all the 12 counts.

The five Duncan Kalulu, David Luhanga, Thomas Kazembe, Bonface Ngulube, and Samuel Navaya have been asked to among other conditions, pay K1million cash bail bond, provide two traceable surities who are biological relations bonded at K3million and also surrender documents to Rumphi and Mzuzu police stations, where they will also be appearing once fortnightly.