State angers defence on Murekezi extradition case: Delays to present evidence on Rwandan
The defence lawyer for Vincent Murekezi, a Rwandan genocide suspect in Malawi custody amid an on-going court battle for his extradition, has complained that the State has not furnished evidence of alleged crimes committed by his client.
Lilongwe Magistrate Court gave the State 21 days to present eveidence against Murekezi, who is contesting an extradition order.
But on Monday, the State had not filed any evidence, prompting Murekezi lawyer Wapona Kita to express disappointment.
“We are disappointed with the non movement of the case, it is in the interest of of our client that the case is dealt with expeditiously, if this continues before Friday we will move the court to dismiss the matter and free our client,” said Kita.
But senior State advocate Steven Kayuni said they will present the evidence to court on Wednesday.
He said Malawi is making extradition application on behalf of Rwanda and that they will present the weight of the evidence furnished by Rwandan authorities.
Rwanda government has reportedly been seeking extradition of Murekezi from as early as 2009.
Controversy reigns over how the Rwandan, who was reportedly found guilty of crimes related to the 1994 genocide and subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment, has been allowed to live in Malawi and not only to acquire business licences, but also to secure Malawian citizenship with a passport.
But following his arrest over the extradition matter, Malawi government has added a charge of jumping bail when he was arrested for alleged corruption.
Govt shud not be intimidated by lawyer Wakita that his client, the genocide suspect, should be set free if govt does not provide evidence by Friday. His client is not special. Govt shud take time its time to provide evidence.
Some of you commenting here are just useless, academic and money hungry like lawyer Wapona Kita. What evidence are you looking for or contesting? The evidence has already been presented by the Rwandan govt that Murekezi has a criminal record for genocide. Lawyers like eating dirty money. No sane lawyer can say this man should be set free. No wonder lawyers cannot be trusted. They twist the truth. Secondly, he obtained a Malawian passport fraudlently. That’s criminal. The govt shud cancel his passport and Malawian citizenship.
Koma abale zinanzi ukamva- kamba anga mwala.
Not with DPP in power there is no way this man can be extradicted the government will make it a point that Murekizi is a free man as they already claimed that he is a prominent business man.
Shame to Peter and his government . Vuwa Kaunda was present during Murekezi’s arrest and he personally assured Murekezi not to worry because the government is there to protect him.
Murekezi is not a sinner sanalakwe koma dyera lakula kwathu kuno. just release him or else timat ha for his release.
Kodi what happens? A Boma amayamba milandu in a hurry kenako ndi kumafooka on small small senseless things. Why start a case when there is no overwhelming and tangible evidence? These situations create room for the accused persons to be released on silly reasons on the part of the state and enable the accused persons to sue and receive huge millions of kwacha from the government.
The state should be organised in prosecuting cases otherwise it does not reflect very well when the state loses cases on small small useless senseless ans baseless technicaliries