Tadikira, Stepson of Former President of Malawi granted bail in mass grave case of 30 immigrants

Malawi: The Mzuzu High Court granted bail to Tadikira Mafubza, the stepson of former President of Malawi, Arthur Peter Mutharika, on Wednesday, in relation to a case where he is suspected of involvement in the deaths of 30 immigrants who were found in a mass grave in Mtangatanga Forest Reserve in Mzimba, writes George Mponda, MANA.

Mafubza was not present at the bail hearing and was represented by his defence counsel.

His lawyer, Gilbert Khonyongwa, argued that justice demands Mafubza's release as he had already spent over a month in custody.

Mafubza's defence counsel argued that his client is innocent until proven guilty and that further detention would constitute pretrial punishment.

The prosecution, represented by Senior Assistant Chief State Advocate Dzikondianthu Malunda, stated that Mafubza is suspected of being involved in the trafficking of 30 illegal immigrants who died and were subsequently buried in a mass grave in Mtangatanga Forest in Mzimba.

The prosecution argued that if the court were to grant bail to the suspect, they should impose strict conditions to ensure the suspect's attendance at trial.

In her ruling, Judge Gladys Gondwe stated that bail is a right for all detained individuals, even those accused of murder, and the main consideration is whether the applicant will attend trial.

Judge Gladys Gondwe granted bail to Mafubza with the condition that he pay a cash bail bond of K2 million, provide two reliable sureties worth K5 million each, submit copies of his national identities, and report to the National Police Headquarters immediately upon release.

Additionally, Mafubza will be required to submit his travel documents to the court, report to the National Police Headquarters every other Tuesday, and not interfere with investigations by contacting witnesses.

He is facing murder and human trafficking charges along with four other suspects: David Luhanga, Thomas Gidson, Samuel Navaya, and Duncan Kalulu.