Peter Mutharika’s lawyer, witness tussle over qualification

Lawyer representing President Peter Mutharika in the elections case Frank Mbeta yesterday tussled with witness Anthony Bendulo’s eligibility as Information Technology (IT) analyst for Malawi Congress Party (MCP) after Bendulo confirmed having no academic qualification in IT field.

Bendulo, who is the fourth witness of MCP, said he has no certificate from any recognised training institution but has rich experience in the field.

“But you call yourself an IT analyst,” Mbeta asked

Bendulo responded: “Yes, because I have been facilitating training in recognised international institutions.”

In an interview, Mbeta said he asked the question about qualifications as Bendulo’s responses to some of the questions were, according to Mbeta, unconvincing.

“He is an IT analyst but he was misleading the court that the document was printed on totally different dates than when the data was entered in the system. So I wanted to appreciate to say is it a question that touches on him being an IT analyst or is not appreciating what was happening,” he said

He further accused the witness of using imagination in his sworn statements, making assumptions on a number of rigging claims while the case is about actual votes.

Mbeta has finished cross-examination and the witness will undergo re-examination today.

In the course of cross-examination, judges cautioned Mbeta from being rude toward the witness on basis that he does not have qualifications.