DPP snoops on Msonda’s case, takes over the matter

The case against former ruling Peoples Party (PP) publicist, Ken Msonda and S&I Carrier truck driver has taken a new twist with Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) now handling the matter.

The case file which was handled by South Lunzu police station has since been handed over to the top prosecutor, Mary Kachale’s office in Lilongwe after she demanded for it.

Kachale’s interest in the case- despite it being legal- seems to confirm Msonda’s suggestions of possible political attack after he was summoned at Southern Region Police head office on Friday morning.

Msonda and S&I Carrier truck driver, George Kanyenda were arrested and granted bail on Thursday for being involved in a wild brawl on Monday night that left both of them severely injured.

The two got into a brawl at Liwanda trade centre in Machinjiri after a quarrel over a parked truck that blocked a road to Msonda’s residence.

And on Thursday, South Lunzu police detained the two for hours before releasing them on bail.

Msonda has been charged with two counts of Unlawful Wounding and Disorderly Conduct at Police Station while Kanyenda has been charged with one count of Disorderly Conduct at Police.

The PP spokesman is answering to the charge of Unlawful Wounding due to the gravity of injuries Kanyenda surstained.

Police officers at Southern Region police head office told Nyasa Times that the DPP ordered the case file to be handed over to her office on Thursday after the incident made headlines in the press.

”On Thursday the case file was handed over to our office (Southern Region) and it has been sent to Lilongwe today (Friday),” explained one of the officers.

In an interview, Msonda confirmed to have been summoned at Southern Region Police head office but was turned back.

”On Thursday I was advised by South Lunzu police to report at Southern Region Police Headquarters, Chichiri at 9.30am. I asked why I should go there, the response I received was not  convincing as they told me ‘Mukamva kwa mabwana konko mawa [You will be told by our bosses there],” said Msonda.

The politician said while at Southern Region on Friday he was turned back and was told the law-enforcers were only interested in the case file.

Msonda queried: ”Someone is calling shorts behind the scene telling the Police at South lunzu Police Station and the truck driver what to do. The question is who?”.

Msonda and Kanyenda are expected to appear before South Lunzu Magistrates court on Jully 11, 2015.

The two got into a fight after a heated argument over a 40-tonne truck Kanyenda parked on a road to Msonda’s house which infuriated the politician.

Tempers are said to have flared when Msonda got into the truck to remove it, and Kanyenda instead started insulting the politician before splashing beer on him.