Chiradzulu man sees murder charge reduced

The High Court sitting in Chiradzulu has sentenced 26-year-old Mtchona Gonjo Macheso to 15 years in prison for manslaughter following a plea agreement that saw his initial murder charge reduced.

Macheso was convicted after pleading guilty to manslaughter over the 2015 killing of 38-year-old Chrissie Kaliati at Mwamadi Village under Traditional Authority Likoswe in Chiradzulu District.

The court heard that on March 20, 2015, Macheso confronted Kaliati’s friend, Ruth Malumero, and demanded that she accompany him. Malumero refused, leading to an altercation between the two.

According to the State, Kaliati intervened in the confrontation in an attempt to assist her friend.

However, Macheso stabbed her in the chest and back using a sharp arrow.

Kaliati sustained severe injuries and died from excessive external bleeding while awaiting medical assistance.

A post-mortem examination conducted at Thyolo District Hospital confirmed that the cause of death was excessive external bleeding resulting from a chest wound.

The State, represented by lawyer Layna Kulesi from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, also told the court that Macheso later admitted to stabbing Kaliati in a police caution statement.

The statement was recorded and signed voluntarily, forming part of the evidence presented in the case.

During the proceedings, Macheso’s lawyer, Luntha Chibwete of the Legal Aid Bureau, proposed a plea bargain, which was accepted by the State.

Macheso subsequently pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter.

Justice Ruth Chinangwa convicted Macheso of manslaughter and sentenced him to 15 years’ imprisonment, bringing the long running case over Kaliati’s death to a conclusion.