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| Kumwembe |
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| Lutepo (middle) to testify |
Man considered ‘chief cashgate convict’ Oswald Lutepo has been added to the list of the first accused in the attempted murder trial of former budget director, Paul Mphwiyo and drop former secretary to treasury Radson Mwadiwa who was ready on Thursday to give testimony.
It was disclosed this Thursday morning when the Court resumed sitting after a short break that Radson Mwadiwa who was outside the court waiting to enter the court room to testify would not do so as the first accused, McDonald Kumwembe had changed his mind and instead decided to call Lutepo during the next sitting of court scheduled for 27th up to 29th January 2016.
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| Lutepo (left) with Joyce Banda |
The court has since directed that Lutepo will be the first witness to testify during the next sitting days of the court.
Director of Public Prosecution, Mary Kachale informed the court after both parties had a brief closed meeting that the defense has decided to drop Mwadiwa as witness and instead to call Oswald Lutepo.
In the day, Kumwembe paraded, Chief Secretary, George Mkondiwa and Mercy Kumbatira from Reserve Bank of Malawi.
Mkondiwa testimony dwelled much on third accused, former Justice Minister, Raphael Kasambara’s tasks on 13th September 2013, the day Paul Mphwiyo was shot and on 14th September 2013.
During cross-examination with Kumwembe, the Chief Secretary said on 13th September 2013, while working as Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he was at State House attending to the meeting on Lake Malawi mediation. He said on that day the country had received mediation leaders; former president of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki and former Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano.
He indicated that the meeting which began at around 3pm and ended for an hour or so, was attended by former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mganda Chiume and third accused, Raphael Kasambara who was then Justice Minister. He also said the following day, he went to Salima for a follow up meeting and same Ministers attended the meeting which ended at around 3pm because they took a late lunch.
During cross examination with third accused, Raphael Kasambara, Mr. Mkondiwa had replied "I will be surprised" when asked if someone would claim that on 13th September, 2013 Kasambara was home meeting with Paul Mphwiyo at around 4 or 5 pm. He further added that it would be surprising if someone claim that Kasambara’s son was on 14th September 2013 in Lilongwe at around 3pm since he saw that child in Salima with Kasambara.
Mkondiwa testimony further dispel testimony made by Kasambara’s former nanny who told court last year that on 13th September, 2013, Kasambara was home at around 4 or 5mp together with Paul Mphwiyo and that the following day, she went to Lilongwe Golf Club at noon hours with the child of Kasambara.
After, Mkondiwa, came another witness, Mercy Kumbatira from Reserve bank of Malawi who gave testimony which is quite similar to what an economist from Ministry of Finance, David Jenya had presented on Wednesday.
The court has been adjourned to 27th January, 2016 where court is expected to meet for the next three days.
It is also expected that during the three day sitting, former cabinet Minister and politician, Brown James Mpinganjira will also appear to testify.
Meanwhile Judge, Justice Michael Mtambo has directed that the court will conclude the defense trial of McDonald Kumwembe and enter defense of second accused, Pika Manondo.
He urged both parties to be “focused” and be “Straight to the point and not going around” issues.
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