Magistrate Margret Khobili approves lawyer Fredson Banda of Mackenzie and Patrick’s Associates to represent Benito Mpama, the former education advisor accused of defiling a 16-year-old girl.

The court consulted the Malawi Law Society and the lawyer’s firm to verify his license status. B

anda requested 21 days for defense preparation, but the court grants two weeks for cross-examining state witnesses.

Witnesses include the survivor’s grandfather, the survivor herself, and a clinician.

The case resumes on July 14, 2023.