By Burnett Munthali
The ongoing trial concerning the murder of Allan Witika has captured significant public attention, particularly with recent testimonies from Police Sergeant Clement Dinyelo. Dinyelo, who serves as an investigator in the case, has provided critical insights into the evidence surrounding the alleged involvement of Lester Maganga.
During court proceedings, Dinyelo testified that investigations indicated Maganga may have orchestrated Witika’s murder by allegedly hiring others to carry out the act. He stated that Maganga was outside the country at the time of Witika’s death, raising questions about his direct involvement.
Dinyelo highlighted that a witness had reported Maganga threatened Witika, suggesting a premeditated motive for the crime. This information, according to Dinyelo, serves as compelling evidence of Maganga’s intent.
Additionally, the officer noted that Maganga had changed his phone upon returning to Malawi, which he interpreted as an attempt to evade detection by authorities. This, combined with the witness testimony about threats, paints a troubling picture for the accused.
The defense attorney, Lusungu Gondwe, vigorously questioned Dinyelo’s assertions, aiming to undermine the prosecution’s case. Key exchanges included:
Defense Lawyer: “So you have no direct evidence that Mr. Maganga killed Witika?”
Dinyelo: “Yes.”
The defense highlighted the lack of concrete evidence linking Maganga to the murder, pointing out that while he may have threatened Witika and changed his phone, these actions alone do not confirm his guilt. Dinyelo acknowledged that despite the ongoing investigation, the identity of Witika’s actual killer remains unknown.
The Witika murder case has drawn considerable scrutiny as it unfolds. The delay in identifying the actual perpetrator, despite the time elapsed since the crime in September 2023, has raised concerns among the public regarding the effectiveness of the investigation. Critics argue that more decisive action is necessary to resolve the case and deliver justice.
As the trial continues, the testimony of Sergeant Clement Dinyelo and the subsequent cross-examination by the defense will likely shape the outcome of the case. With the prosecution asserting Maganga’s involvement while the defense questions the sufficiency of the evidence, the courtroom dynamics reflect the complexities of the legal process. The pursuit of justice for Allan Witika remains a critical focus as all parties await further developments in this high-profile case.
