By Mphatso M’bang’ombe:
Four out of the five people arrested on January 27, 2026 on suspicion of being involved in the exhumation of the grave of Maunsamatha Zacharia—a person with albinism from Khombera Village, Traditional Authority (TA) Msakambewa, in Dowa District—have pleaded guilty to all charges brought against them.
The four, who allegedly committed the offence on January 12 this year, appeared before the Mkukula Magistrate court.
The suspects admitted to charges that include unlawful entry into a graveyard, exhumation of a grave and possession of human bones, among others.
Those who pleaded guilty to the charges are Tikambirane Samu, Loyd James, Keliyasi Weluzani, Kennedy Kafa Sainani and Malitoni Maguya.
– Advertisement –
However, suspects Farai Mwambakulu and Tonny Chawanda Mwale pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
And, in a twist, the prosecution has withdrawn charges against three other individuals who appeared before the magistrate court on Monday this week.
Those whose charges have been withdrawn include Village Headman Khombera, with the prosecution saying there is no evidence linking them to the offences.
State Prosecutor Ian Ntaba has since asked the court to grant the prosecution team 10 days to start parading witnesses for the two suspects who pleaded not guilty, as well as the narration of facts, including medical evidence, for those who have pleaded guilty to the charges.
– Advertisement –
One of the suspects who pleaded not guilty is Farai Mwambukulu, a businessman from Ntchisi District.
Meanwhile, First Grade Magistrate Kondani Chinangwa has adjourned the case to February 9 this year.