BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Blantyre Principal Resident Magistrate Court on Friday found the self-acclaimed supreme leader of People’s Land Organization (PLO) leader Vincent Wandale with a case to answer on fraud charges.

This means that Wandale alongside his accomplices Chrispin Nkhoma, Precious Lesten and Robert Kambalame have to make their defence against the charge in court.

The four were arrested and charged on fraud for soliciting money from members of the organization, promising them land.

About 58 Local communities led by Lucy Mussa in tea district of Thyolo accused Wandale and his accomplices of stealing about K3.7 million between 2009 and 2017 in multiple payments they made to the organization.

Following successful state investigation of the matter, Principal Resident Magistrate Innocent Nebi was satisfied with evidence tendered in court against the four and ruled that they have a case to answer.

Nebi therefore ruled that the accused have the right to testify against the fraud charges leveled on them through calling witnesses or exercise their constitutional right to remain silent.

The court however ruled that the case will be heard in Thyolo, the determination which Wandale was praying for.

The PLO leader told reporters outside the court after the ruling that he was ready to defend the charge saying he has enough evidence on the case.

“After the state concluded their case, the magistrate was of the view that they have made their case of fraud against us and we need to defend ourselves in a full trial hearing.

“We have asked the court to move to Thyolo, where most of our witnesses are, since we do not have resources to be transporting them to and from Thyolo throughout the duration of the trial and our wish has been granted,” Wandale said.

The court therefore adjourned the case to July 3, 2017 when Wandale and his accomplices will start defending the fraud charge which is contrary to section 319 of the Penal Code.