Government Fails to Produce Exam ID in Phwedo Case, Court Adjourns Trial to July 31
Published on July 22, 2025 at 1:49 PM by Edgar Naitha
The trial of actor Tumpe Mtaya, populary known as Phwedo, has been adjourned to July 31 after the government failed to produce a key piece of evidence — the girl’s examination ID.
Mtaya is accused of engaging in sexual activity with a girl under 18, and the ID was expected to help verify her age.
During the court session in Lilongwe, the prosecution instead brought Investigator Jonathan Nkhambule, who said the girl claimed her exam ID was missing.
Nkhambule added that MANEB said it could not replace the ID since it is printed abroad.
However, MANEB issued a letter stating the girl’s date of birth as February 18, 2010. Mtaya’s lawyer, Khwima Mchizi, criticized the state for defying a court order to produce the ID.
He argued the missing document was vital to the case.
A ruling on the state’s failure to comply is expected on later date.
