Mutharika and Wife question son’s arrest

Former President Peter Mutharika and his wife Gertrude are questioning the arrest and charges levelled against their son Tadikira Mafubza.

Tadikira is among five suspects arrested in connection to the death of 30 illegal migrants who were found in a mass grave in Mzimba district.

He was the first suspect to be arrested in the case and faces murder as well as human trafficking charges.

In a statement, Mutharika’s spokesperson Shadreck Namalomba says the Mutharika family is shocked that Tadikira faces murder charges.

“Looking at the circumstances of the case and the conduct of state agencies seized of the matter, they(the Mutharikas) have come to the conclusion that the arrest is not justified by the facts,” reads the statement.

The family argues that the State arrested Tadikira while knowing that he was not aware that his vehicle was used for illicit activities.

Through the statement, the Mutharikas further lament that “Despite the state being aware of his innocence, proceeded to charge him with murder and aggravated human trafficking. Tadikira is a law abiding young man, God fearing and always with an endless smile”.

While admitting that this is a serious matter, the Mutharikas expect the case to be handled professionally and fairly by the police and judiciary.

Meanwhile, the Lilongwe Chief Resident Magistrate Court has committed the case to Mzuzu High Court.

One of the defence lawyers Ibrahim Wali has since expressed readiness for the trial.

Meanwhile, the National Police Publicist Peter Kalaya has since disclosed that more arrests will be made on this case.

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