By Emmanuel Yokonia

The defence in an extradition case involving Prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary says there is insufficient evidence over rape allegations.

Speaking to YFM after cross examining state witness and South African Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Sibongile Mzinyathu, one of the defence lawyers Wapona Kita said confirmation of the witness that the complaints regarding the charges were withdrawn in 2019 is a vindication that the case lacks evidence.

Kita added that the withdrawal statements made by four complainants have proven his client’s innocence.

He further said the state witness has failed to furnish the Chief Resident Magistrate’s court with concrete evidence on the rape charges.

But Senior State Advocate Dzikondianthu Malunda said the withdrawal statements were made in South Africa and they cannot be used in Malawi.

Malunda said the statements will only be applied if two fugitive offenders are extradited to South Africa.