A Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court in Lilongwe has ruled that eight suspects associated with MCP known as panga-wielding thugs (Azikwanje) have a case to answer over the assault of Monica Mkandawire and other people who were taking part in demonstrations at Botanic in Lilongwe on 9 March 2025.
The eight suspects are facing charges of assaulting the victims.
Senior Resident Magistrate Austin Banda made the ruling after hearing testimony from 10 witnesses presented by the prosecution.
The court has adjourned the case to 7 December 2026, when the suspects are expected to present their defence witnesses.
The accused are Eric Phakamisa, Bruno Makina, Davie Malamulo, Lafred Dala Kadula, Lameck Mkasa, Hayward Kadango, Lesta Kanjunga and Issa Saidi.
The ruling marks a significant development in the case, as the accused were untouchables and protected by powerful MCP politicians during the MCP regime .
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