Court Finds Leonard Karonga with Case to Answer in ‘Funeral Escort Charcoal Smuggling’ Trial

The First Grade Magistrate’s Court in Chikwawa District has adjourned to May 21 the case involving Leonard Karonga, who is accused of smuggling charcoal using a vehicle belonging to Serenity Funeral Services.

During proceedings, the court heard testimony from three state witnesses who told the court that Karonga was allegedly driving the vehicle carrying charcoal, a coffin, and eight other people disguised as a funeral procession in February this year.

Presiding magistrate Gift Msume ruled that Karonga has a case to answer, with the matter set to continue on May 21 while the accused remains on bail.

Karonga previously answered charges related to the alleged smuggling of government money in 2015.