Court adjourns Chinese murder case
The High Court in Lilongwe has postponed the trial of eight individuals accused of murdering two Chinese nationals in 2023 to 13 and 14 August, denying the state’s request for a delay until September.
Justice Eddah Ngwira-Mwakibinga instructed the state to re-arrest the eighth accused, Precious Billiat, and present her in court within seven days, acknowledging the defense’s concerns regarding the delays in executing a warrant issued on 15 July.
Principal Legal Aid Advocate Janet Mkomera Kamoto contended that the state had ample time to enforce the warrant and that ongoing delays would infringe upon the seven accused individuals’ right to a fair trial.
The state, represented by Deputy Director of Criminal Litigation Brenda Kapenda, requested additional time, citing that Billiat had not yet been apprehended and that witnesses were unavailable.
Principal State Advocate Collen Mwenechanya mentioned that the police had begun searching for her.
The judge remarked that the prosecution’s approach lacked seriousness and “left much to be desired.”
The eight suspects are charged with the alleged murder of two Chinese nationals and armed robberies involving Chinese businesspeople in Lilongwe.
