Leader of Peoples land organization convicted

Blantyre Senior Residence Magistrate court has convicted Vincent Wandale on three counts he was answering in relation to Mulanje – Thyolo land grabbing case.

Wandale the leader of peoples land organisation was answering conspiracy to commit a misdemeanour, unauthorised use of land and criminal trespassing.

Presenting the judgement Senior Magistrate Thokozani Soko said the court proved beyond reasonable doubt that Wandale played a role in all offences.

However, Magistrate Soko acquitted Tendai Msikita on the same charges.

“The court had found that Msikita was at the place of offence as a representative of home based civil society organization,” said Soko.

Speaking to reporters, Wandale said he will continue fighting until people of Mulanje and Thyolo secure a land for cultivation and residence.

However, lawyer representing Wandale, Michael Goba Chipeta, said is waiting for advice from his client on the way forward.

“I have pleaded with the court to give a suspended sentence as his client is a first offender, the offences are not serious and its contempt of law for the plight of landless people,” said Chipeta.

Meanwhile, the court has set 8th November to present the sentence.