State’s key witness vanishes as Ching’oma–Lungu case stalls

The Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court in Lilongwe has once again pushed back the high‑profile case involving Ezekiel Peter Ching’oma and Gracian Tiuze Lungu, after the State failed to begin trial because its main witness didn’t show up.

The matter — which was expected to kick off with the hearing of State witnesses — has now been adjourned to 12 and 14 October, extending a case that has already dragged on for months.

Ching’oma and Lungu were charged in January 2026 with terrorist financing and fraudulent use of funds, allegations tied to an alleged K3.9 million plot to disrupt protests and target activist Sylvester Namiwa.

But when proceedings opened on Wednesday, the State immediately applied for an adjournment, telling the court its key witness was “not available”.

Presiding magistrate Bracious Kondowe did not hide his frustration, reminding prosecutors that the case has suffered multiple delays — all at the State’s request.

Defence lawyer Jefferson Luwa said that the repeated postponements are taking a toll on his clients, who remain on bail but under strict conditions.

“There are bail conditions the accused must comply with. Time, resources — all of it has an impact,” Luwa said.

“We wish the case could be completed as soon as yesterday.”

The long‑running matter now heads into yet another waiting period, with the defence insisting the State must finally bring its witnesses to court.