Kasambara back in hospital in ‘serious’ heart attack

Former minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Raphael Kasambara has been readmitted to hospital with a recurrence of a heart attack and is in a “serious but stable” condition.

Authorities at Zomba Maximum Prison told Nyasa Times that Kasambara was transferred to Mwaiwathu private hospital in Blantyre overnight when his condition deteriorated.

He had been discharged from Blantyre Adventist Hospital and went on remand at Zomba jail after the revocation of bail conditions last month.

Kasambara, who is facing a charge of conspiracy to commit murder in the case of the shooting of former Ministry of Finance budget director Paul Mphwiyo, is reported in a “serious” condition.

But doctors at Mwaiwathu could not comment on Kasambara’s condition and asked for Nyasa Times to respect his privacy.

Kasambara family doctor Luano Kalongolera said there is a long history to former justice minister’s heart problem.

Meanwhile, this week Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Mary Kachale said the State took note of the guidance provided by the Malawi Supreme Court of Appeal regarding the eligibility of Kasambara to represent his co-accused Macdonald Kumwembe, a former Malawi Defence Force (MDF) soldier.

In June this year, hired chief Cashgate prosecutor Kamudoni Nyasulu asked the High Court in Lilongwe to disqualify Kasambara, a senior counsel (SC), from representing Cashgate suspects on the basis that he is either a suspect or witness in the cases.

In its ruling on Kumwembe’s appeal against conviction for contempt of court and sentence provided on October 12, the Supreme Court said the matter raised by the DPP has implications beyond the application as there are rights of Kasambara to practise his profession and earn a living and there is also involved the right of the applicant (Kumwembe) to a legal counsel of his choice.

Kachale said the State will proceed to consider whether it should file something with the Malawi Law Society (MLS) as the regulatory body and the Attorney General (AG) as the head of the bar,saying “there are so many issues at hand” but will consider “ priorities”.

Kumwembe changed lawyers and he is being represented by Goba Chipeta.