Phwedo Denies Charges as Lilongwe Court Begins Trial Behind Closed Doors

A major court process involving Malawian actor Tumpe Mtaya, popularly known as Phwedo, has officially begun in Lilongwe  with the suspect entering a fresh plea after prosecutors amended the charges.

Lawyers from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) informed the court that they planned to revise aspects of the indictment, prompting a re-reading of the full list of charges.

After the charges were read aloud, Mtaya rejected all counts and pleaded not guilty.

The State subsequently told the court that it intends to present evidence from five witnesses, following the plea of denial.

Prosecutors then applied for the court to clear the public gallery, including journalists, to allow the first witness  a child  to testify in a protected setting.

The magistrate granted the request, citing Malawi’s legal protections governing child testimony, and ruled that the proceeding continue in camera during the minor’s evidence.

All members of the public and media were subsequently asked to leave the courtroom as the child witness took the stand.

The case is set to continue, with further developments expected once open court resumes.