By Cathy Maulidi
Former presidential security aide Norman Chisale has been acquitted on all six counts he was answering in relation to the intimidation case.
Chisale was answering one count of use of insulting language, three counts of intimidation, one count of obstruction or interference of the execution of legal processes and one count of disorderly conduct at a police station.
He was arrested in November last year on allegations that he intimidated and insulted senior government officials and Justice Minister Titus Mvalo during one of the interviews he granted to the media.
Delivering his ruling, Lilongwe Principal Resident Magistrate Roderick Michongwe said he had acquitted Chisale on grounds that the State had failed to provide prima facie evidence to warrant prosecution of the accused.
“The prosecution has not presented sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case against the accused,” Michongwe said.
In the first count of using insulting language, the court ruled that the State failed to provide enough evidence of the crime, adding that it failed to prove that using the word “Chi-minister” is a crime worth putting one behind bars.
The court proceeded to acquit Chisale on all other counts on grounds of insufficient evidence.
It, however, advised Chisale to control his anger next time.
“The words you used in that interview were very disrespectful and annoying; so, next time, control your anger,” Michongwe said.
On his part, defence lawyer Stanley Chirwa described the ruling as a milestone for the defence team.
“The ruling did not come as a surprise to us, and we are delighted with the outcome. It’s a testament to the fact that justice has been served and the legal system has worked as it should.” Chirwa said.
State lawyer Superintendent Ken Mhango said they respected the ruling of the court.
“We respect that,” Mhango said.
Chisale, carrying a Bible, walked out of the court loudly thanking God for intervening in the case.
