Wittika murder suspect faces psychiatric test

High Court of Malawi Judge Mzondi Mvula has ordered the State to arrange a psychiatric test for Lester Maganga who is suspected to have murdered former Coca-Cola Company employee Allan Wittika in Lilongwe last September.

The judge said it would be important for the suspect to undergo the test before trial starts to avoid disruptions.

Mvula made the directive in Lilongwe yesterday when Maganga appeared before the court after being held at Maula Prison in October 2023.

Said the judge: “Within the very seven days, as a matter of law, I shall order the Republic to take you for psychiatric tests and that will reduce delays when the case commences.”

Maganga is being accused of murdering Wittika whose body was found bundled in the rear seat of his official vehicle on September 20 2023 near his house in Area 15 in Lilongwe.

The suspect pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder contrary to Section 209 of the Penal Code and that of being found in possession of ammunition without a permit.

Mvula, who read out the charges, said: “The court enters a plea of not guilty.”

The judge also said a bail application will be dealt with concurrently with the trial to speed up the process.

“All things being equal, the court shall hear the case over a span of 14 days. Trial in this matter shall commence on Tuesday, February 13, 2024,” he said.

The judge said in case of eventualities that may affect implementation of the plan, all parties should be quick to communicate so that no one gets inconvenienced thereby “not taking each other for granted”.

In an interview, State lawyer Pirirani Masanjala said the State is ready with the case and that it will parade 15 witnesses.

He said some of the evidence will be provided orally while other witnesses will bring exhibits to court, including graphic pictures, medical reports, statement, bullets and electronic evidence in form of call logs and video evidence.

Defence lawyer Powell Nkhutabasa said he did not have any objections to suggestions by the State.

Maganga, who is personal assistant to Minister of Information and Digitisation Moses Kunkuyu, has since been recommitted to Maula Prison awaiting beginning of trial on February 13.