Insufficient Evidence Leads to Release of Three Men Accused of Murder in Malawi
Three men were released from custody in Malawi due to insufficient evidence in the murder case of Joseph Edward Banda. Banda’s body was found with stab wounds after he did not return home from a drinking spree. Witness statements were deemed insufficient for a conviction, leading to the men’s discharge after spending nearly two years in jail.
Three men, Josephy Gladwell Master, Yohane Petro, and Paul Francisco, have been released in Ntchisi district after being cleared of murder charges due to insufficient evidence. They were accused of killing 63-year-old Joseph Edward Banda, whose body was discovered in June 2023 with stab wounds after he went missing following a drinking spree.
The police launched an investigation and arrested the three suspects based on witness testimonies, despite no direct evidence linking them to the crime. They were held at Ntchisi Prison while awaiting trial. Senior Legal Aid Advocates Jacqueline Nthaniko and Chanju Kondowe represented the men, who maintained their innocence throughout the proceedings.
A crucial witness recounted seeing Banda intoxicated on the night of June 2, 2023, and observed the three suspects separately moving in his direction. However, after a detailed evaluation, the State concluded that the evidence was insufficient for a conviction, resulting in the discontinuation of the case. Consequently, the three men were discharged and freed after nearly two years in custody.
The discharge of Josephy Gladwell Master, Yohane Petro, and Paul Francisco highlights the importance of sufficient evidence in securing convictions. Despite witness accounts allegedly placing the men at the scene, the lack of direct evidence led to the case’s dismissal. Their release underscores the judicial system’s role in ensuring justice when evidence does not substantiate accusations.
Original Source: malawi24.com
