Police cell death: Deceased’s brother jailed
A brother to a suspect allegedly bludgeoned to death in Police custody in Mzuzu in 2012 is remanded at Mzuzu Prison for three weeks now because he resisted advances from Police to become a state witness again.
Edison Msiska a former Natural Resources College student, died on January 29, 2012 following his arrest after he was found with property suspected to have been stolen.
Both relatives and the deceased’s brother Ulemu Msiska confirmed to Nyasa Times in separate exclusive interviews of the Cops desperate attempts to make him change his earlier testimony.
“I saved my time for the crime I committed and I was released in June 2013. But On March 1, 2014, Police rearrested me and asked to make another statement regarding my young brother’s death. I have consistently refused and they have said I will rot here,” Ulemu said.
He said Police have not made any attempts to charge him or process his bail despite the fact that he is past the statutory 48 hour period.
“I will not do what they want,” Ulemu said.
Police arrested six officers on April 18th 2012 namely, Inspector Gertrude Munkhondia, Constable George Kamphe, Constable Victor Msoloma , Constable Lucius Mpakeni, Constable Bertha Chavula and , Constable Joel Kapunda.
Ulemu testified during the trial of the alleged perpetrators since on the day of his younger brother death he was in police custody but in a separate cell
However, at the close of the Prosecution case in 2012, the Court found the trio Constable George Kamphe, Constable Victor Msoloma and Constable Lucius Mpakeni with a case to answer on a charge of manslaughter.
His father, a Mr. Mwandira said the Police’s behavior has raised eyebrows hence they reported the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions office.
“He served his time for burglary and theft and was released 10 months ago. Why arrest him again for the same offence but ask him to make a statement for another case? Is that legally correct?” he queried.
A legal expert, who did not want to be named, told Nyasa Times that the Cops’ behavior was gross abuse of office and had no legal basis.
Northern Region Police Publicist Norah Chimwala told Nyasa Times in written responses that Ulemu Msiska was picked for other burglary and theft charges.
But when pressed for more details she said Police will need time to investigate.
“We will issue a statement in due course,” Chimwala said
The High Court in Mzuzu ordered that the trial of the trio be held with 21 days from February 27, 2014. Court yet to set date for resumption of trial.
The state indicated that it will not call further witnesses when the trial resumes.
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