Justice Minister Titus Mvalo Tuesday testified in a case where Norman Chisale, who is a former aide to ex-State president Peter Mutharika, is being accused of using insulting language, intimidation and obstructing justice.
Mvalo told the court that he was shocked that Chisale, during a television interview that was aired on one of the local television stations on November 6 2023, referred to him as a “liar” because he told him that he did not see a letter that Chisale wrote to several officers, including the Cabinet minister, based on cases leveled against him.
“I, as Minister of Justice, have no power regarding the letter that Chisale wrote.
“There is nothing like a minister getting involved in any criminal or civil case. My ministry has two offices that deal with criminal cases [and these are the] Attorney General and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP),” Mvalo said.
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He said prior to hearing anything about the letter, Chisale called the minister four times on the matter and that his response was that he should ask his [Chisale’s] lawyers to seek court assistance.
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However, lawyers representing Chisale, namely Gilbert Khonyongwa and Stanly Chirwa, quizzed the minister during cross-examination.
“As minister, do you think this case, which attracts a fine and six months imprisonment, is worth pursuing and haven’t you ever been insulted?” Chirwa asked.
But in his response, Mvalo said, taking into consideration that he is a father and has relationships as a person, insulting language being aired on television was not only demeaning but also disrespectful to him.
Meanwhile, Lilongwe Principal Resident Magistrate Roderick Michongwe has adjourned the case to a later date, when the State is expected to parade two last witnesses in the case.
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About 10 witnesses, including former DPP Steve Kayuni and the incumbent DPP Masauko Chamkakala, testified in the matter.
Chisale wants to access money from his frozen accounts in order for him to settle legal costs.
This comes at a time the State is still pushing for the forfeiture of property, worth K5.8 billion, from Chisale, as it is questioning how the former presidential bodyguard amassed his assets.
