The Lilongwe Senior Resident Magistrate Court has ruled that Bruno Mulo Makina, Erick Phakamisa, and Davie Malamulo have cases to answer in connection with the alleged incident involving Chihana's convoy. The accused persons are answering charges of endangering persons, acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm, causing bodily harm, negligently causing harm, malicious damage to property, intimidation, and being found armed with intent to commit a felony.
The rulings follow the State's presentation of evidence from six witnesses in a case concerning the alleged disruption of Chihana's motorcade. Senior Resident Magistrate Shukrani Kumbani ruled that the three accused persons had cases to answer and should be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations against them. The court considered that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence to require the accused persons to respond to the charges.
Enock Chihana, now the State Second Vice President, was appointed to the position by President Peter Mutharika, who emerged victorious in the September 16, 2025 Presidential Election. The incident occurred in February 2025, when Chihana's motorcade was allegedly disrupted by the accused persons. The State lawyer, Prescott Mwayiulipo, said the State was satisfied with the court's ruling.
The finding of a case to answer means the court considers that the prosecution has presented sufficient evidence to require the accused persons to respond to the charges. However, it does not amount to a conviction, as the accused persons still have an opportunity to defend themselves before the court determines the cases. The two cases are scheduled to return to court on November 13, 2026.
In a separate but related development, the court has also found Malamulo with a case to answer over allegations that he damaged tyres belonging to vehicles used by some members of Parliament during the same month. The accused persons are expected to present their side of the story on November 13, 2026. The State is confident that the court will determine the cases based on the evidence presented.
The Alliance for Democracy president, Enock Chihana, has since been appointed as the State Second Vice President. President Peter Mutharika appointed him to the position after winning the September 16, 2025 Presidential Election. Chihana's convoy disruption case has been ongoing since February 2025.
The case is set to continue on November 13, 2026, when the accused persons will present their defense. Three key points in this case include the alleged disruption of Chihana's motorcade, the damage to tyres belonging to vehicles used by some members of Parliament, and the court's ruling that the accused persons have cases to answer.
Key points
- The Lilongwe Senior Resident Magistrate Court has ruled that three people have cases to answer over allegations of disrupting Enock Chihana's motorcade.
- The accused persons are answering charges of endangering persons, acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm, and malicious damage to property.
- The case is set to continue on November 13, 2026, when the accused persons will present their defense.
