Area 25 Murder-Robbery Case Adjourned to September 10

The Senior Resident Magistrate Court in Lilongwe has adjourned to 10 September 2025 the hearing of the Area 25 murder-robbery case involving Felix Magaleta, Adam Tsoka, and Aubrey Banda.

The three are suspected of involvement in the brutal murder of five residents of Area 25 in Lilongwe, a case that shocked the community. They are facing four counts of robbery, allegedly involving the theft of cellphones and money from Suzgo Kumwenda, Gift Chagunda, and Anthony Banda, together with murder of the late Brian Thondoya.

Presiding Magistrate Wanangwa Nyirenda adjourned the matter yesterday, 28 August 2025, after the State paraded four witnesses. The adjournment will allow the prosecution to bring forward more witnesses.

State Prosecutor Dalireni Kalanguluka said the State still has five additional witnesses lined up.

During proceedings, the second accused, Adam Tsoka, changed his plea recanting his earlier not guilty plea and instead pleading guilty to two of the four charges. The first accused, Felix Magaleta, and the third accused, Aubrey Banda, maintained their not guilty pleas.

Banda also applied for bail, arguing that he is the sole breadwinner for his family, but the court denied the application.

Prosecutor Kalanguluka later told the media that the State is committed to ensuring justice prevails, emphasizing that “the accused should remain in custody.”