Three men were acquitted of murder charges due to insufficient evidence linking them to the crime of killing Joseph Edward Banda, whose body was found in June 2023. They were held for nearly two years without trial before being discharged. The State concluded it could not secure a conviction based on the evidence presented.
Three individuals, Josephy Gladwell Master, Yohane Petro, and Paul Francisco, were recently acquitted of murder charges in Ntchisi district due to a lack of substantial evidence. The case revolved around the death of 63-year-old Joseph Edward Banda, whose body was discovered in a maize field with multiple stab wounds after a drinking outing in June 2023.
The police initiated an inquiry into Banda’s murder, resulting in the arrest of the three suspects despite the absence of direct evidence implicating them in the crime. Their initial detention stemmed from witness statements suggesting their presence at the scene. They remained in custody at Ntchisi Prison as they awaited trial.
Assisted by the Legal Aid Bureau, the accused were defended by Senior Legal Aid Advocates Jacqueline Nthaniko and Chanju Kondowe. A significant witness noted seeing Banda, seemingly intoxicated, on the night of June 2, 2023, and also observed the suspects in the vicinity at that time.
Upon careful consideration of the evidence, the State concluded that it could not proceed to trial due to insufficient proof of guilt, resulting in the dismissal of the charges. Consequently, the three men were released after nearly two years in prison without a trial.
In conclusion, the acquittal of Josephy Gladwell Master, Yohane Petro, and Paul Francisco underscores the importance of sufficient evidence in legal proceedings. The State’s decision to discontinue the case reflects a commitment to justice, ensuring that individuals are not wrongfully convicted without concrete proof. This case highlights the critical role of legal representation and evidentiary standards in the judicial process.
Original Source: malawi24.com
