Cashgate suspect faults judge
Former government accountant, Maxwell Namata – convicted and sentenced to eight years imprisonment for the offence of money laundering – has faulted the High Court Judge who presided over his case, over his conviction and subsequent sentencing, in the absence of sound evidence.
The convict’s counsel Michael Chipeta told a panel of three Supreme Court of Appeal judges hearing the case in Blantyre on Thursday.
He said Justice Anabel Mtilamanja erred in convicting and sentencing the convict without proving beyond reasonable doubt that the offence of money laundering was indeed committed.
Chipeta argues that the state failed to prove the crucial elements of the offence of theft.
However in response to the submissions, Director of Public Prosecution Mary Kachale described Chipeta’s arguments as technical justice.
Earlier in the morning, David Lameck counsel for Luka Kasamba – the second appellant – began by telling the court that his client has withdrawn the appeal based on his constitution right.
The court accepted the withdrawal but faulted Lameck for ambushing the court with the move.
Meanwhile the court has given both the state and defence 21 days to submit their technical arguments in writing, within 21 days.
A vibrant writer who gives a great insight on hot topics and issues
