Wandale, 2 others denied bail again
The Blantyre Magistrate’s Court has for the second time denied People’s Land Organisation (PLO) leader Vincent Wandale and two of his followers bail, citing protection of witnesses and ensuring smooth continuation of the case.
The three, Wandale, Chrispin Nkhoma and Tendai Nsikita, are answering charges ranging from conspiracy to commit a misdemeanour, unauthorised use of land, criminal trespass and inciting violence which they denied.
In her bail ruling yesterday, senior resident magistrate Thokozani Soko said it was obvious that the three might attempt to abscond from the case or intimidate owners of Conforzi Tea Estate whom they met during trial.
She said: “The other reason is that since the State has closed trial, matters would speed up if the accused persons remain on remand.”
Following the ruling, defence lawyer Michael Goba Chipeta asked the court to start analysing the evidence presented in the court and decide whether the accused persons have a case to answer.
Soko then adjourned the case to tomorrow September 28 at 9am for ruling on whether the three have a case to answer.
Hearing for the case started on September 5 after Wandale and 22 members of PLO were arrested in connection with an incident that happened on September 1 when hundreds of villagers invaded a portion of privately-owned Conforzi Tea Estate in Thyolo and started sharing land among themselves.
The other 20 members were given suspended sentences after they were convicted on their own plea of guilty.
The same court denied the accused persons bail following their first application on September 8.
On September 20 the court reserved ruling for the bail application made by Chipeta.
