Former President Peter Mutharika’s stepson Tadikira Mafubza and four others have been charged with murder and aggravated trafficking in persons in connection to the mass grave of migrants found in Mzimba last month.
Mafubza as well as David Luhanga, Thomas Gidson, Samuel Navaya and Duncan Kalulu appeared before the Magistrate’s Court on Lilongwe today where they were formally charged.
Chief Resident Magistrate Madalitso Khoswe Chimwaza has, however, committed the suspects to the Mzuzu Registry where the alleged crime was committed.
The suspects will apply for bail at the Mzuzu Court and will remain in custody as they wait for the case to be moved to Mzuzu.
Last month, bodies of 30 migrants believed to be Ethiopians were found in Mtangatanga Forest in Mzimba. The migrants died due to suffocation, according to police
National Police spokesperson Peter Kalaya said in a statement that Police have evidence pointing to the role each of the five played in the case.
According to Kalaya, Police have impounded two vehicles, one belonging to Mafubza.
“The impounded vehicles are a scania van, belonging to Mr Mafubza, believed to have carried the suspected migrants and a Toyota Sienna that was used by the migrants,” said Kalaya.
He added that police are looking for more suspects.
