Former President Peter Mutharika has expressed shock with the arrest of his stepson, Tadikira Mafubza in Lilongwe in relation to the mass grave in Mzimba.
Tadikira and four others were charged with murder and aggrivated trafficking in persons.
In a joint statement with his wife, Gertrude, they said looking at the circumstances of the case and the conduct of state agencies seized of the matter, they have come to the conclusion that the arrest is not justified by the facts.
“It is on record that the driver of the van in question clearly stated that Tadikira did not have any knowledge that the vehicle in issue was used to carry out illicit activities. However, despite the state being aware of his innocence, proceeded to charge him with murder and aggravated human trafficking.
“Tadikira is a law abiding young man, God fearing and always with an endless smile. Their Excellencies are firm believers of the rule of law. The Supreme Law of the land, the Malawi Constitution guarantees the right to life for every person. It also guarantees the right to be presumed innocent to any charge until proven guilty by a competent court of law.
“Their Excellencies therefore expect the police and the judiciary to perform their duties with professionalism, objectivity and fairness and resist any extraneous influences.
“The case of discovery of mass grave in Mzimba is a serious matter. Their Excellencies reiterate their call for speedy investigation so that Malawians know the truth regarding what happened and who was responsible for the death of those believed to be immigrants.
“However in carrying out the said exercise, no one should be victimized because of politics but the law should follow its course to make sure that justice should not only be done but should be seen to be done. Tadikira will be exonerated. Truth shall always prevail,” reads part of the statement signed by Mutharika’s Spokesperson Shadric Namalomba, MP
Tadikira’s arrest came a few days after Mutharika accused government of taking no action on the issue.
Magistrate Madalitso Khoswe Chimwaza has committed the suspects to the High Court (Mzuzu registry), where processes to apply for bail will be done at the Mzuzu Court.
Tadikira and the four others will remain in custody waiting for the processes to commence at the Mzuzu High Court.
In October, the remains of 30 people who are allegedly Ethiopian nationals have been exhumed from a grave located within Mtangatanga Forest Reserve in Mzimba.
Police say all victims are male aged between 25 and 40.
Official records indicate that a majority of migrants who are caught in Malawi use the country as a transit point with their final destinations mostly being South Africa, Europe or the US.
This year alone, 221 migrants have been intercepted and 186 of them were Ethiopian nationals.
