Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Rebecca Chimjeka
Published on 2024-03-21 07:55:43
Kamuzu Central Hospital pathologist Andrew Mwale testified in court that the murder of former Coca-Cola Beverages employee Allan Wittika was well planned and carefully executed. Mwale revealed that the bullet that killed Wittika went through his mouth and exited through his head. He also stated that the shooter had tampered with the exit point of the bullet, indicating a high level of precision in the crime.
According to Mwale, the shooting likely did not occur in the car, and the position of Wittika’s body in the vehicle was a deliberate attempt to deceive. He emphasized that the perpetrator was not an amateur, and the disposal of the body was carried out meticulously. The details provided by Mwale painted a picture of a calculated and premeditated murder.
Another witness, Vincent Ngwira, an expert in police firearms and explosives, testified that the gun used in the killing was different from what had been described in court. Ngwira identified the firearm as a semi-automatic blowback pistol with specific features that limited its use to blank ammunition only. This information added complexity to the case and raised questions about the weapon’s origin and purpose.
The accused in the case, Lester Maganga, is alleged to have been involved in Wittika’s murder. Despite the severity of the charges, Maganga’s lawyer, Powell Mkhutabasa, made a fresh application for bail on the grounds that his client had already spent 152 days in custody. Mkhutabasa argued that Maganga’s continued incarceration was unjust and requested bail conditions that would prevent any interference with witnesses.
However, State lawyer Pirirani Masanjala opposed the bail application, citing that bail is not an automatic right and that Maganga should remain in custody for the sake of justice. Masanjala emphasized the need to protect the integrity of the case and ensure that all witnesses are able to testify without fear of intimidation.
High Court judge Mzonde Mvula reserved his ruling on the bail application for a later date. The court is continuing to hear testimonies, with nine witnesses already presented by the State and ten more yet to come. Maganga remains remanded at Maula Prison since his arrest on October 20, 2023.
The ongoing legal proceedings highlight the complexities of the case and the challenges faced by both the prosecution and the defense. The testimonies provided by expert witnesses have shed light on the meticulous nature of the crime and the need for a thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind Wittika’s tragic death. The decision on Maganga’s bail application will ultimately depend on the court’s assessment of the evidence presented and the interests of justice in the case.
Read the original article on The Times
