Mphwiyo Shooting Case: Kasambara Could Not Wait For Ash Wednesday After Bail Reinstatement

Kasambara was greated by friends and
 family as he was coming out from
court rushing to
attend Ash Wednesday 

On Wednesday evening, former Justice Minister, Raphael Kasambara unreservedly supported the State motion to have the case hearing adjourned to Thursday as the time was over so that he goes to Church that evening to join fellow Catholics for Ash Wednesday Mass celebration.

Kasambara who is third accused with case to answer on conspiracy in the ongoing attempted murder trial of former budget director, supported the state to adjourn at 16:30 hours just almost two hours after his bail got reinstalled.

Catholics on Wednesday celebrated
Ash Wednesday 

Ash Wednesday is one of the most popular and important holy days in the liturgical calendar as it opens Lent, a season of fasting and prayer and takes place 46 days before Easter Sunday. Priests administer ashes during Mass as a visible symbol of penance. The ashes are made from blessed palm branches, taken from the previous year's palm Sunday Mass.

A Catholic faithful, Kasambara said “I would like to join Madame DPP (referring to the Director of Public Prosecution, Mary Kachale) that court adjourn this time because I have to go to church, today it’s Ash Wednesday.”

Kasambara stood to express his support for adjournment just after the State through DPP Mary Kachale who was at that time cross –examining second accused Pika Manondo had reminded court that it was 16:30 hours, time for adjournment.

However, Manondo prayed for an extension of time because he wanted his defense be concluded so that he can start to call his witnesses. Manondo said adjourning at that time would delay the case because more time has been lost already.

Although, Judge Michael Mtambo ruled in favour of State and the third accused person Kasambara, to adjourn hearing for this Thursday morning, Mtambo also concurred with Manondo that time is being wasted and remin;ded the court that there is need for progress.

“But we keep on losing time” he observed and advises all parties by reiterating that there is need for progress so that the case is concluded in good time especially to ensure that the defense of Pika is concluded this week.

The cross-examination of Pika continues this morning starting at 09:00 hours

The bail reinstallement also brought excitement among friends and relations of Kasambara

Mphwiyo Shooting Case: Prosecution No Problem With Bail Reinstatement Of Kasambara, Kumwebe

Kachale: state respects court decision 

The Prosecution in the ongoing attempted murder trial of former budget director Paul Mphwiyo says respects the decision of the court to release two accused persons, Raphael Kasambara and McDonald Kumwembe from prison after their bail was revoked some few months ago.

Kasambara finally walks home 

“As State, our role is justice and when it comes to the interest of justice, the custodians are courts and the guardians are the courts.” Says Director of Public Prosecution, Mary Kachale in an interview after the defense hearing adjournment on Wednesday evening

“We make submissions and the courts are the final arbiter, so when the courts has said at this time considering all the other factors the court has considered, the Judge is of the view that the interest of Justice now weigh in favour of releasing the accused persons because all this time the case has progressed so well that we are actually going to the final conclusion they can go so that they can start to prepare the defense outside. So, we believe the justice is even handed so we respect the decision of the court” she said 

Before adjournment on Wednesday, the state was cross-examining the witness of Pika Manondo who is now in his defense.

The State based its questions on the alleged People’s Party (PP) scheme of supporting weaker candidate to run presidential race in the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) in 2014 Tripartite Elections.

The state was mainly seeking Pika to clarify on number of money deposits that McDonald Kumwembe had earlier told the court that they were made by Pika as payment on the alleged scheme which they were masterminding through devising number of tactics. 

The state argued that the pay was not chiefly for the alleged MCP Convention plot regarding contradictory evidence being given by Pika and Kumwembe on the same deposits and therefore state consider that those payments were for another business known to the two.

Pika continues to deny knowledge of some of the deposits allegedly made by him. He only acknowledged one deposit which he said was pay to Kumwembe for related to the scheme of supporting weaker person from MCP.

Youth Rights Activists Differ With Drug Fight Body On Future Of Youth After Industrial Hemp Legalization

Sativa type not Industrial Hemp

Youth rights activists differ with drug fight body opinion that Industrial Hemp legalization will increase Marijuana smoking among Malawi youths.

Zakeyo faulted for his analysis 

Drug Fight Malawi analysis signed by its Executive Director, Nelson Baziwelo Zakeyu objects legalization of Industrial Hemp with fear that the hemp will increase Marijuana smoking among the youth, and bring negative impact than much anticipated positive hopes that the product is likely to alleviate poverty and bring economic prosperity to the country.

In the analysis Zakeyu draws attention to the 2004 country’s rapid situation analysis on the relationship between use of drugs and HIV by Ministry of Health and Centre for Social Studies at Chancellor College which found that tobacco and Marijuana were among most abused drugs by many Malawians due to accessibility and affordability since they are grown locally.

He stated in an interview that such previous studies are a lesson that legalizing unknown hemp to Malawians which also has thin distinct between it and Marijuana, it is hazardous attempt which may result in creating “a big Marijuana” in the country and worsen Marijuana smoking.

“Legalizing Industrial Hemp creates potential for broad scale development, manufacture and marketing of Marijuana products.” Warns Zakeyo

He further cautioned that just like how malfunctioned legal drug markets of alcohol and tobacco have created health problems in the country, legalizing Industrial Hemp will worsen poverty and poor health of people due to the known direct links of drug’s to non-communicable dieses.

Indica type: feared to be mistaken for Industrial
Hemp

“It is therefore far not right to think that legalizing Marijuana would actually have a positive impact in alleviation of poverty to the country in fact, doing so would worsen the situation, heavily and negatively impacting young people.” Advised Zakeyo further urging Government to tread carefully and “not play with danger” that will harm young people

However, in separate interview, two V

Youth Rights Activists, Lucky Mbewe and Charles Kajoloweka, Executive Directors for Centre for Youth Empowerment and Civic Education (CYECE) and Executive Director for Youth and Society (YAS) respectively have dismissed the drug fight body reservations, calling them as mare phobia and urged the body to bring objective ideas that will help to effectively curb smoking but not stopping the country from exploring ways diversifying the economy through growing of profitable cash crops.

Lucky Mbewe said to the contrary, Industrial Hemp legalization will bring more economic benefits to the country and not cause any harm to the youth or influence them to smoke Marijuana.

Said Lucky Mbewe; “Perhaps what I would propagate is, we should look at the dimensions in terms of the use of Industrial Hemp. This type of hemp can be used for medical or other industrial uses which may in turn boost our economy and not necessarily smoking. More importantly, a lot of youth will get economic empowerment from cultivating this type of Hemp. So we need to look at this issue on economic and health gains” 

On his part Charles Kajoloweka said “It is in our considered view that legalization of the Industrial Hemp for industrial purposes must be understood from the scientific perspective, that it is going to work for the Industry, which we already know that currently it is already working. And we know its economic benefits through number of studies that have indicated how Industrial Hemp is being used for industrial purposes.”

“Growing of Industrial Hemp could be another way of going forward as a country in terms of exploring possibilities of other cash crops” he added

Growing Industrial Hemp will bring benefits of
manufacturing industry of the above materials 

As of prevention of possible abuse of the hemp as feared by the Drug Fight Malawi which draws lessons from malfunctioned legal drug markets of alcohol and tobacco where children as young as 10 could access, both Mbewe and Kajoloweka have emphasized the needed for good regulatory framework and its enforcement once the hemp is legalized.

“In terms of this fear, it goes back to how it is going to be regulated and how regulatory framework to be put in place is going to be enforced. It just the same with alcohol, we have the laws that regulate the selling, production and consumption of alcohol in this country. But the question is to what extent do we enforce the regulatory framework.

So, we cannot continue remaining behind as the country to explore the possible opportunities in development because we are afraid that there will be some spillovers in terms of negative impact. So for us if there is proper legal framework put in place that regulates industrial use of the hemp then we should not be worried as a country.” observed Kajoloweka 

The two youth rights activists also concurred that effective engagement with key stakeholders and all Malawians to sensitize them on the pros and cons of the Industrial Hemp is imperative in order to avoid misconceptions around the hemp incessantly spread like a wildfire.

“People have a perception that every hemp is meant for smoking, those are some of the issues that requires masses to be sensitized on and publicize accordingly.” comments Mbewe 

Meanwhile, Private Sector Development Expert working with Invegrow on the trials and development of Industrial Hemp in Malawi, Nebert Nyirenda says Drug Fight Malawi fears are misleading and are mare misconception about Industrial Hemp.

“In Industrial Hemp does not contain intoxicating Psychoactive chemicals like Marijuana has. This means that our youths will not be interested to some this hemp and instead, due to its economic benefits, we highly anticipate our youths to be empowered economically through cultivation of this profitable cash crop.” Said Nyirenda 

He further indicated that in 36 countries worldwide where the hemp is cultivated, there are no cases of its abuse and has also acknowledged that there is need for more sensitization about the crop.

Clarke; Industrial Hemp is harmless 

Also, Invegrow Limited founder, Tanya Clarke concurred with Nyirenda that Industrial Hemp is harmless and is an economic viable crop. She said unlike its genetic cousin marijuana, hemp, which is grown for its seeds and fibers, contains only minuscule amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, an ingredient that creates a sense of euphoria when smoked.

She underlined that the hemp is grown as agricultural commodity used in a wide range of products that include, health food, biofuels, building materials, cosmetics, textiles and much more. She assured that allowing and regulating legal cultivation of hemp would create a development opportunity for many Malawians and stimulate new industries and increase the country’s export base.

Currently, Invegrow Limited is working with the Government at Chitedze Research Station to trial different cultivars of low THC hemp and demonstrate small- scale production of growing the Industrial Hemp and according to Clarke, the data of the results will be out by April this year.

Malawi has already shown interest to grow Industrial Hemp as a new cash crop with hopes that Malawi stands to greatly benefit from such a versatile crop however, currently, the laws indicate that although cannabis products could be produced in Malawi under licence, (being part of the former British empire that was traditionally a major consumer of hemp products), its cultivation is not legal.

Mphwiyo Shooting Case: Kasambara, Kumwembe Bail Reinstated

Kumwembe

Kasambara 

Lilongwe High Court has reinstated bail of the first accused McDonald Kumwembe and third accused Raphael Kasambara in the case of attempted murder trial of Paul Mphwiyo.

The two applied to the court last month that being in prison, they were failing to interview their witnesses and also failing to defend themselves because they were denied access to computers and internet where they could use to do some research.

Through their application the accused also told the court that having stayed long in custody they have been more cooperative so far.

"This court finds that it is appropriate that the accused bail be restored to its original status and that bail conditions will remain the same to where it was when the ruling was made of the revocation of the bail." ruled Mkandawire

But he has given them two more conditions in addition to the original bail conditions

"The other condition is that the accused should not grant interviews to media and should also display interest to see the case continued undertake and hereby abide with court to proceed deligently as defending this matter and not undertake delaying tactics" ordered Justice Mtambo

The first accused who is regarded as the shooter, McDonald Kumwembe , bail was revoked some five months ago while the third accused bail was revoked some four and half months ago following bail revocation application by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Mary Kachale that the accused were threatening the security of the Judge.

The first accused landed himself into prison following his application for the recusal of the Judge which revealed occasions of the Judge movements after a ruling which found him with case to answer was made.

While the third accused, a former Justice Minister, Raphael Kasambara bail was revoked on grounds that he was not showing interest to have the case concluded in good time through applications to have judge recused and that application made by the first accused was done by him.

The application to have their bail reinstalled was opposed by the state who argued by indicating that there were still threats to the Judge security.

However, when passing the ruling, Judge Michael Mtambo underlined that the overriding matter was to have he case concluded and not concerned over Judge security.

"This court is not concerned over the Judge Security matter because the issue of security is always is in God's hands, so the overriding matter is to see the case concluded in good time without any delays" said Mtambo before the ruling


"The accused persons remain innocent until they are found guilty and convicted" added Mtambo

Urban Music Artists To Voice Out Children, Youth Issues Through Timveni Child And Youth Media Project

KBG, Lawi, Faith Mussa, Classic, Jonathan Dube,
Sangie, Sam Nkagula & Kim (from Left to right)

Timveni Child and Youth Media Organisation has teamed up some renown urban artists in country to produce songs that reflect on the real issues affecting young people and children. The project, Amplifying Childrens Voices Through Participation is being implemented with funding from Plan Malawi.

Man Dies, 8 Survives Fatal Accident In Salima

Man has died while eight other minibus passengers survive a deadly accident after the vehicle they were in, overturned several times following a tyre burst on Saturday afternoon.

Salima Police officers identified the deceased as John Abbi aged 35 of Chimwere village T/A Tambala in Dedza district who is reported to have died on the spot for severe head injuries.

Salima district Police Public Relations Officer, Sub Inspector Gift CHitowe says the accident occurred around 13:40 hours at Mtonga Trading Centre along Salima-Lilongwe road 

“The vehicle was coming from Lilongwe direction heading Salima and upon arrival at Mtonga Trading Centre the rear right tyre of the min-bus bursted forcing the vehicle to overturn several times. Passengers were thrown out of the bus as it was overturning” explains Chitowe

He indicated that two surviving passengers, Alexander Katema aged 34 of Chitalo village T/A Kalembo in Balaka district and another unknown male passenger have sustained serious injuries and are admitted at Salima district Hospital while the other Six passengers sustained minor injuries. 

Chitowe said the motor vehicle, Toyota Hiace registration number SA 1824 was driven by Misiyasi Lefiyasi aged 32 of Maweru village T/A Chiwere on Dowa district.

MAM Investing In Irrigation Farming With Middle East Partners Support

Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM) is ready to invest in Irrigation farming with support from Middle East.

The local Islamic body disclosed this on Thursday at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe when meeting President Peter Mutharika to introduce their visitor from, Revival Islamic Heritage Society of Kuwait, Chairperson for Africa, Sheikh Dr. Jasim Al-Ainati. The Middle East delegate is in the country on distribution of relief and food items to flood victims and supervise projects they are funding trough MAM.

Chairperson for Trustees of MAM, Sheik Ali Kenedy, told president Mutharika that the visitation of their Middle East delegate will benefit both Malawi Muslims and Government 

“If government can ask anything, our delegate from Meddle East is ready to support”

It was later elaborated by Sheik Dinala Chabulika, Publicity Secretary for MAM after close discussions with President Mutharika that the Middle East delegate through Revival Islamic Heritage Society of Kuwait is willing to support Malawi in ending hunger by responding to Government desire to see more investments in the irrigation farming.

“As you are aware, Government is encouraging investments in irrigation farming so that we stop heavy reliance in the rain-fed agriculture, our delegate is willing to bring big investments in agriculture especially in irrigation farming across the country.” Confirmed Chabulika 

Earlier, President Peter Mutharika said he is delighted with long and steady cordial relationship that exists between MAM and Government.

He said current relationship is vital because both Government and MAM are working together supporting Malawians.

“My government and the Muslim Association of Malawi have long standing cordial relationship. Together we contribute to the fullness of humanity, by providing for the body and the soul. Let me assure you of my personal support, and that of my government to you, and that the good working relationship which has existed between my government and the Muslim community, will continue for the benefit of all Malawians,” he said.

“It is important that we hold our hands together for the development of this country” said Mutharika emphasizing that everyone must take part in providing solution to challenges facing the country.

In his remarks Sheikh Jasim Al-Ainati, commended good bilateral relations between Governments of Malawi and of Kuwait which he said is traced way back during Guulf wars when Malawi supported Kuwait earnestly.

He said it was through this background that Kuwait Government and the Revival Islamic Heritage Society of Kuwait did not hesitate to respond to floods and drought calamity faced by Malawi early January, 2015.

He therefore promised unwavering support to Malawi problems.

Sheikh Al-Ainati is visiting the country to distribute food and relief items to victims of floods across the country and to supervise all MAM projects supported by Revival Islamic Heritage Society of Kuwait which includes construction of Mosques, boreholes among others.