Zomba Chief Resident Magistrate, Austin Banda has punished Lawyer Gilbert Khonyongwa for causing ‘unnecessary’ adjournment in a case involving political activist Bon Kalindo.
Lawyer Timothy Chirwa told the court that Khonyongwa is involved in another case involving former Energy Minister, Newton Kambala and others being heard today in Lilongwe.
State prosecutor, Levison Mangani objected to the application saying the lawyer knew of the date and the state had already brought all three witnesses. Two from Lilongwe and one from Mangochi.
In his short ruling the Chief Resident Magistrate said the accused cannot be punished due to unprofessionalism of his lawyer.
He then ordered that Khonyongwa pay personally expenses incurred during hearing of today’s adjournment before directing that a date be set within 20 days from today for trial to commence.
Source:ZBS
