The High Court in Mzuzu has today acquitted Tadikira Mafubza, stepson of former President Peter Mutharika, along with seven co-accused individuals, who were facing charges of manslaughter and aggravated human trafficking of 30 Ethiopian nationals.
The bodies of the Ethiopians were discovered in a mass grave in Mtangatanga Forest, Mzimba District, in October 2022. All accused persons denied the charges, prompting the State, represented by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), to present witnesses in a full trial.
Presiding judge, Justice Gladys Gondwe, ruled that there was insufficient evidence to link the accused to the crimes, resulting in their acquittal. The judge also ordered the return of the vehicle involved to its owner.
The acquitted individuals are Tadikira Mafubza, Samuel Navaya, Duncan Kalulu, David Luhanga, Thomas Dickson Kazembe, Boniface Ngulube, Aubrey Dukes, and Arnold Mwakiyelu.
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