Lutepo and Dauka acquitted, Kasambara has case to answer on conspiracy: Mphwiyo shooting case

Former Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Ralph Kasambara  has survived the first charge of  attempted murder in which he has been acquitted but he still has to defend himself on a charge of conspiracy to commit murder in Paul Mphwiyo shooting trial.

Kasambara, who is representing himself, is and four others are accused of attempting to murder former Ministry of Finance budget director Paul Mphwiyo.

The former justice minister was being charged alongside the Manondo brothers—Pika and Dauka—James Kumwembe and Robert Kadzuwa.

Making his determination at Lilongwe High Court Judge Michael Mtambo formally acquitted businessman Oswald Lutepo and also Dauka Manondo.

On Kasambara, the Judge acquitted him on the first count of attempted murder, saying b it took time for Mphwiyo to mention that he saw the former Justice Minister at his home among the attackers.

Mtambo also faulted the state prosecution team for failing to tender the note which Mphwiyo said he wrote while in hospital mentioning the names of those who attacked him.

According to Mphwiyo, he gave the note to his aunt who was also not brought before the court to testify.

However, Mtambo noted that through the testimonies, it shows that Kasambara and Mphwiyo were involved in some deals known to them.

The Judge however said the State has made out a prima facie case  against Kasambara on conspiracy to murder which the lawyer needs to defend himself.

Meanwhile, Lutepo’s lawyer, Oswald Mtupila, said he was “happy and relieved” that his client has been acquitted and enables his client to sue for a compensation for unlawful arrest.