Malawi convicts 3 people in conspiracy to kill Ex-budget director

A court in Malawi on Thursday convicted a former justice minister and two others of conspiracy to murder a former Ministry of Finance budget director in 2013.

Raphael Kasambara was accused of conspiring to murder Paul Mphwiyo, while former Malawi Defense Force soldier Macdonald Kumwembe and businessperson Pika Manondo faced charges of attempting to murder and conspiring to murder.

“After analyzing all the evidence in this case, I convict them accordingly,” ruled High Court Judge Michael Mtambo. “Bail for the three accused persons is hereby revoked and they should be remanded in custody.”

As Kasambara was led into the police vehicle taking him to prison, he said the judgment was compromised and the defendants would appeal.

Cashgate exposed

The September 2013 shooting in Lilongwe exposed the corruption scandal known as Cashgate, in which more than 70 businesspeople and government officials were arrested.

Gunshot survivor Mphwiyo is facing charges in connection to the $32 million scandal. He was arrested in 2014 on charges of money laundering, theft and conspiracy to defeat course of justice. His wife was also charged with money laundering and theft.

Commentators believe Mphwiyo masterminded the Cashgate scandal, and his shooting was due to a deal gone bad between him and the three men convicted.

No date was set for sentencing.