DPP, investigator testify in Chisale case
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Masauko Chamkakala and Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) chief investigations officer Vilera Liwonde on Tuesday testified against former presidential aide Norman Chisale for allegedly intimidating public officers and obstructing justice.
Appearing before Lilongwe principal resident magistrate Roderick Michongwe, the DPP told the court that Chisale threatened him through a letter dated October 26 2023 and delivered to his office on the same day.
Chisale stated in the letter that he felt frustrated because his case was taking long to conclude, making it hard for him to meet certain obligations such as paying school fees for his wards.
He said: “He said that because of the delay, he is frustrated and angry. Now, when this is connected with the earlier statement that an angry person can be dangerous and difficult to handle, coupled with his vast military training and power because of his political connectedness, I feel that I, my officers and my family members, are threatened.”
Taking his turn, Liwonde told the court that on October 25 2023 Chisale visited the ACB offices and met him.
He said Chisale told him that the ACB was taking too long to take his case to court, and that he was tired not afraid to die.
“This was intimidating on my part because here was someone who was clearly suicidal therefore he could not only do something injurious to himself but also people around him, and I am the one who was close to him,” said Liwonde.
He further said Chisale threatened to bring journalists to the ACB and force the bureau to take him to court to start his case.
Michongwe, however, asked the State lawyers whether what Liwonde has said was in line with the charges levelled against Chisale.
In response, State lawyer Prescott Mwaiulipo said in general, Liwonde’s testimony was general built on testifying against what is in the charge and that the bigger picture would be painted after all the witnesses testified.
Minister of Justice Titus Mvalo and former DPP Steven Kayuni were also expected to testify on Tuesday, but they failed to appear in court due to other engagements.
The court is scheduled to reconvene this morning.
