First witness in a case involving former Cabinet Ministers Symon Vuwa Kaunda and Charles Mchacha and two others has finished testifying in the alleged illegal acquisition of government land within Kanjedza Forest Reserve in Blantyre.

Former Director of Forestry Stella Gama has told High Court Anabel Mtalimanja that Mchacha, like any other Malawian, was entitled to make an application for lease of the said land.

The ex-ministers are answering the charges together with former chief secretary to the government Lloyd Muhara and Principal Secretary for Ministry of Defence Bright Kumwembe.

Speaking to YFM upon adjourning the matter, lawyer representing Mchacha; Chancy Gondwe said the defense has established their defense from the first witness.

“Basically, we have got what we wanted from the witness who came we have managed to establish a number of facts and one of them is the fact that the offer that was made to honorable Mchacha,” said Gondwe.

“The offer was made after the land issue had been cancelled in terms of classification, it was no longer land under Kanjedza Forest Reserve.”

Hearing of the matter has been adjourned to Wednesday this week where the State is expected to parade two more witnesses.