Court Adjourns Phwedo’s Defilement Case to August 21

The Lilongwe Principal Resident Magistrate’s Court has adjourned the case involving filmmaker and content creator Tumpe Mtaya, popularly known as Phwedo, to August 21, 2025, after the State failed to present an important academic document related to the alleged victim.

Despite the delay, the court, presided over by Magistrate Benjamin Chulu, ruled that the case should proceed since the State is still making efforts to secure the evidence  specifically a certificate the alleged victim used to sit for her Form 4 exams last year.

During the hearing, the court ordered the State to start parading its witnesses, beginning with the minor at the centre of the case, who is expected to testify with the help of a support person due to her age and vulnerability.

Defense lawyer Khwima Mchizi expressed readiness to cross-examine the State witnesses when the case resumes.

Phwedo is facing charges of repeated defilement and child trafficking, allegations he has since denied.