LILONGWE, Malawi, January 28 (MaraviPost): The sensational trial of former Justice Minister Ralph Kasambara, Pika Manondo, Oswald Lutepo and two others accused of attempted murder of the Director of National Budget at the Finance Ministry, Paul Mphwiyo, has resumed in the High court in Lilongwe.
The delays since November were due to the strike by the Judicial supporting staff who were demanding a pay rise.
It was an attempt on Mphwiyo’s life by unknown assailants that triggered the discovery of the widespread corruption scandal christened cashgate which is currently pegged at MK24 billion (US$53 million).
Oswald Lutepo, Paul Mphwiyo, Ralph Kasambara face different charges related to the cashgate scandal. Mphwiyo is accused of laundering money amounting MK2.1 billion from the public coffer. Mphwiyo’s wife also faces other money laundering charges.
Raphael Kasambara is both defendant and defence attorney in the case.
When the proceedings last adjourned Kasambara was cross-examining victim Paul Mphwiyo raising a lot of inconsistences and flustering Mr Paul Mphwiyo.
Oswald Lutepo is the chief cashgate suspect, accused of looting MK5.4 billion.
He implicated former Malawi president, Joyce Banda, in his case.
Ralph Kasambara also named Joyce Banda as a potential defence witness.
The former President Joyce Banda has not been seen in Malawi since losing the elections to Peter Mutharika in May of 2014.
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