High Court in Lilongwe has set 28 February 2025, as the sentencing date for six people convicted for the murder of Buleya Lule.
The six are Paul Chipole, Ikram Malata, Richard Kalawire, Innocent Lwanda, Maxwell Mbuzi and Abel Maseya.
Earlier today, the court convened for a sentence hearing which takes place before the actual sentencing and helps the judge to determine an appropriate sentence.
The defense presented two witnesses to testify on behalf of the convicts.
One of the defence lawyers, Lugano Mwabutwa, explained that the witnesses aimed to show that the convicts had contributed to criminal justice while in office and were victims of circumstance rather than mere criminals.
The defence said they hope that the witnesses’ testimonies will lead to lenient sentencing.
In response, state lawyer Dzikondianthu Malunda said that the prosecution will analyse the evidence and provide suggestions for an appropriate sentence.
High Court Judge Chifundo Kachale has directed both sides to make written submissions by 20 February 2025.
Lule was arrested in February 2019 following the abduction of a boy with albinism in Dedza District and later died in police custody.
By Margaret Mapando
