DPP director discharged from murder case

The High Court has discharged Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) director of youth Dyton Mussa and three others from a case in which they were accused of torching Area 24 UTM Party office which left three family members dead.

The four were among 12 suspects, who include former United Democratic Front (UDF) spokesperson Ken Ndanga, who are answering murder charges.

Presiding judge Annabel Mtalimanja granted the discharge on Monday in Lilongwe.

In an interview on Monday, lawyer representing the discharged four Gilbert Khonyongwa said the development means that the charges have fallen off, but the State is at liberty to bring back the charges within six months.”

He said: “The discharge is not a bar to subsequent prosecution of the same charge within the next six months”.

However, hearing of the case continues today with the State expected to start parading witnesses in the case of the remaining eight suspects.

The UTM Party office was petrol-bombed prior to the June 23 Fresh Presidential Election.

Security guard Selemani Tambala, his wife Ayiles and son Shukuran, who were living within the office premises, died at Kamuzu Central Hospital while receiving treatment for severe burns incurred in the fire.

After the change of government from DPP, which had partnered UDF in the election, to Tonse Alliance administration, police arrested Ndanga and others in connection with the death of the three family members and office arson.