MAN TO APPEAR IN COURT FOR TEARING BALLOT PAPER

The just-ended by-election in Dowa South East constituency was characterized by low turn out, rumuors of violence and tearing of ballot papers.

For example, at Mphalankhwali polling centre, it is reported that the accused Mr. Potiphar Kupeta, thirty, arrived at the centre, just about an hour before closing of the centre.

It is reported that Mr. Kupeta tore his ballot paper instead of casting it.

He was picked by the police on the spot.

Dowa Police Deputy Officer-in-Charge, Mike Tchona, told ZBS that the accused is taken to court this afternoon, because tomorrow is a public holiday.

Dowa Deputy Officer-in-Charge said that Mr. Kupeta has been charged with conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

Mr. Potiphar Kupeta, thirty, hails from Chisomba village, Traditional Authority Mkukula, Dowa district.

14 OCTOBER, 2010