Youngson Chilinda appears in court
Trial of National Assembly chief security officer Youngson Chilinda, who is answering assault charges for beating up Nation Publications Limited (NPL) female photojournalist Thoko Chikondi, started on Wednesday at the Lilongwe Magistrate’s Court.
During the hearing, first State witness, Chikondi, narrated how Chilinda allegedly assaulted her for supposedly taking pictures of him without consent.
Said Chikondi: “[Chilinda] literally wanted to get my camera and break it. But there was no way I could have let him seize it. So, we wrestled and he intentionally beat me in the face with the camera, upon noticing I was not letting go of the camera.”
In cross-examination, the defendant’s lawyer, Tisilira Kaphamtengo, asked Chikondi why she did not produce her press pass when Chilinda approached her.
“I had my press tag, but he did not ask for it. Therefore, I would not have showed my card upfront,” she said.
The case has since been adjourned to July 31 2013 when the State is expected to parade more witnesses.
