By Blessings Tambala:
The Liwonde First Grade Magistrates’ Court has adjourned the case involving Democratic Progressive Party Eastern Region Governor Daudi Chikwanje to April 15, 2025.
The adjournment follows a request from the defence lawyers, who argued that they had yet to renew their licences, which expired on January 31, 2025.
However, the court, presided over by First Grade Magistrate Maxwell Boaz, issued a warning to the defence, saying that no further excuses would be accepted.
Boaz said that if the defence fails to attend the next hearing on April 15, the court will take appropriate action.
Lawyer Maurice Matola M’baya, representing the defence team, expressed satisfaction that the court had considered their request.
“On our side, the case Honourable Chikwanje is answering to is criminal in nature, involving the rights of an individual. The accused has the right to choose his legal representation, which, in this case, are lawyers Omar Chidothe and Yusuf Nthenda,” M’baya said.
The defence also pointed out that Chikwanje was due to attend Parliament when its next session opens on Friday, making it appropriate for the lawmaker to be allowed to represent his constituents in the august House.
However, the State, represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police Levison Mangani, who also oversees prosecutions within the Malawi Police Service, expressed dissatisfaction with the reasons for the adjournment, deeming them invalid.
“We are not happy with the reasons for the adjournment. Lawyers are always aware of the status of their licences,” Mangani said.
He further claimed that one of the State’s witnesses had been receiving threats and that the adjournment could jeopardise the protection of the witness.
Chikwanje, who is also Member of Parliament for Machinga Central East, was arrested on September 30, 2024, on allegations of making statements that could incite violence at a political rally in Machinga.
The arrest followed the circulation of a clip on social media, allegedly showing the lawmaker encouraging his party members to set fire to people found wearing Malawi Congress Party regalia.
He is currently on court bail.
0 Comments