The Lilongwe Chief Resident Magistrate’s Court has today slapped the State with at least half a million as costs of proceedings before granting their wish of an adjournment in the ongoing extradition case involving prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife Mary.

The court has given the State 60 days to file all necessary documents and serve them on the defence before December 11, 2023, when hearing of the case will resume.

In her ruling, Chief Resident Magistrate Madalitso Chimwaza said while the court agrees with the arguments by the defence, the court has used its discretion not to discharge the defendants on technicalities.

The magistrate also pointed out that the State has not been vigilant, saying it was unfortunate and a disrespect of court orders.

She said: “To discharge the case for this mishap will be unreasonable decision as it is the first time for the State to ask for this, there is no prejudice suffered by the defendants apart from the time wasting, and the defence will be compensated with costs of K560,000, to be paid before next date of hearing.