Court rejects bail application for Wittika murder suspect
Malawi High Court in Lilongwe has down rejected bail application for murder suspect, Lester Maganga in a case in which he is accused of brutally murdering a Coca-Cola sales manager, Alan Wittika a murder which shocked the nation.
As Justice Mzondi Mvula was delivering the verdict, relatives of Wittika, who filled the court room, clapped hands in excitement.
This means Maganga will be remanded in custody until January 2024 when the case is expected to start.
Justice Mvula observed that there is need to allow the State to exhaust its investigations within the 90 days from the day Maganga was arrested as permitted by the law.
“It has been argued that the accused is well travelled, well connected with ‘the powers that be’ which he can use to interfere with the witnesses and investigation processes,” he said.
He finalised reading his ruling with a clear order, saying: “Let it be known that I shall remand in custody Lester Maganga on these terms. That’s my order!”
Witika’s uncle Willie Zingani who was at the court said the relations were satisfied with the verdict.
He said the relations will continue to follow the murder case closely until justice is delivered.
Wittika was found brutally murdered in his official vehicle which was dumped in Area 15 in Lilongwe in what the police suspect he was killed over a woman lover both Wittika and Maganga were dating.
