The High Court in Blantyre has set July 7 to 10, 2026, as trial dates for suspects accused of murdering Dr Victoria Bobe, a specialist at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital and a lecturer at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences.
The development was confirmed on Wednesday during a virtual court session, where presiding judge Ruth Chinangwa outlined key steps leading to the trial.
The court has since issued several directions to guide the proceedings. Legal counsel has been ordered to file notices of appointment by April 17, 2026, while the State is expected to serve the defence with the case docket by April 21, 2026. The defence will then have until May 12, 2026, to review the docket.
Further, the court has ordered that any preliminary applications must be filed by April 27, 2026, with responses due by June 11, 2026.
The court has scheduled a hearing for these applications on June 16, 2026, with a ruling expected on June 30, 2026, ahead of the trial starting on July 7, 2026.
Dr. Bobe, was fatally shot in November 2025 when armed assailants broke into her Chigumula home during a violent robbery and demanded money.
Seven suspects were arrested last year and are currently facing murder charges in connection with the incident.
