1 minute
No case to answer
The Second Grade Magistrate Court sitting at Bolero in Rumphi has found Yohane Justine Joshua with no case to answer in an alleged fraud case.
Joshua was accused of fraudulently obtaining MK3,500,000.00 from Edward Chiwale at Mzokoto area in Rumphi district where it was alleged that he falsely claimed to be a maize seller with the intent to defraud Chiwale.
Joshua was arrested on 16 January 2025 and later sought legal aid services on 12 February 2025. When legal aid was granted, he was represented by Senior Legal Aid Advocate Francis Machongo and Legal Aid Intern Abraham Mkisi.
In Court, the accused was formally charged with Obtaining by False Pretenses under Section 319 (1) and Theft under Section 278 of the Penal Code.
The prosecution went on to parade three witnesses: Edward Chiwale, Thandizo Phiri, and a police investigator. Court records revealed that Chiwale and Phiri had entered into a contract for maize procurement, with Phiri handling the payments. Joshua was arrested when both he and Phiri were involved in purchasing maize from farmers, and the disputed sum of MK3,500,000.00 went missing.
On 25 March 2025, during the ruling on a case to answer, the Court concurred with the Bureau’s argument that the matter was a civil dispute arising from a breach of contract rather than a criminal offense. With no concrete evidence to prove the theft charges, the Court acquitted Joshua of all charges.
The Bureau received funding from the European Union’s Justice and Accountability – Chilungamo Program for its operations, including Court Proceedings leading to the acquittal.
- 1 view