Defence lawyers in the alleged K5 billion cement gate case has expressed worry over delays by the State. 

Former President Peter Mutharika’s security aide Norman Chisale, Former State House Chief of Staff Peter Mukhitho, former MRA deputy commissioner Roza Mbilizi  and businessman Mahmed Chunara were arrested on suspicion of fraud, money laundering, abuse of office, smuggling and falsifying documents.

According to one of the defence lawyers Bright Theu, the accused persons are yet to take plea citing too many objections.

He said: “All I was saying is that speed is a fundamental aspect of a fair trial, this is a matter that started in July 2020.

And it had not come into court until recently and from what I recall the suspects came to court following a few applications because the prosecution was delaying.”

Theu added that State’s move of trying to bring fresh charge sheet is another delaying tactic.

“The State was not ready to address the court on preliminary objections, the court had set time limits within which certain documents had to be filed.

“Why should we be talking about a new charge sheet today? I think there deliberate conduct on part of the State to delay the proceedings,” Theu said.

But in his response, Director of Public Prosecutions Steven Kayuni said the case has delayed because of many objections by the defense.

“It’s quite an unfortunate issue being raised, considering that there are multiple accused persons, five of them.

Even those raising the issue have also raised objections so it’s a self defeating argument actually to say there are delays,” maintained Kayuni.

Meanwhile, High Court Judge Redson Kapindu has adjourned hearing of the trial to May 6 2022.