Court adjourns UTM Party supporters’ case
Karonga Magistrate’s Court on Friday adjourned a case in which six UTM Party supporters are accused of damaging four vehicles of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) officials.
The officials were camping at Lovemore Lodge ahead of the March 30 by-election in Karonga North West.
The suspects failed to take plea because two of their colleagues, Mzondi Mkandawire, 42, and Chipiliro Masulani, 32, were absent.
the court by police officers
The other four are Samson Fumbo, 44, Henry Mwakabanga, 35, Peter Ngwire Viyuyi, 46, and Golden Milanzi (age not advised).
Lawyer representing the six suspects, Sheilla Malola could not convince the court on why the two failed to appear in court.
State prosecutor Dalireni Kalangusuka, from Northern Region Police Headquarters, described the development as a ploy to prolong the case.
However, after hearing arguments from the defence and State, senior resident magistrate Mateo Chitha adjourned the case to Wednesday.
Last month, the court granted bail to the suspects. They were ordered to pay a surety of K200 000 cash and non-cash bond of K200 000.
The suspects are also required to report to police every Monday and Friday.
They were also ordered to surrender travel documents and not leave the district without police permission.
There was political violence ahead of the March 30 by-election in Karonga North West involving MCP and UTM Party supporters.
UTM Party candidate Felix Kaira won the by-election while MCP candidate Daniel Chitonya Mwanyongo came second.
The seat fell vacant following the death of James Kamwambi (Democratic Progressive Party) in January this year.
