By Rahim Abdul
Lawyer and Dowa Kasangadzi Member of Parliament George Jivason Kadzipatike has agreed to represent Blessings Mbalagwe on a pro bono basis in a case involving the alleged theft of a Nissan Navara in South Africa.
Kadzipatike said he took up the case after meeting Mbalagwe among people who had been arrested by police in connection with matters involving tax issues.
Mbalagwe, 32 years old is suspected of stealing the Nissan Navara in South Africa before allegedly abandoning it in his home area.The vehicle was reportedly left at Nyemba Village under Senior Chief Msakambewa in Dowa District.
Police later arrested Mbalagwe in Lilongwe at a location where he had allegedly been hiding.Kadzipatike said he would represent Mbalagwe without charging him legal fees.
The lawyer said his decision was aimed at ensuring that the suspect receives legal representation as he faces the allegations.
Mbalagwe is expected to appear before a court soon to answer the charges against him.
The alleged theft reportedly took place in South Africa before the vehicle was found in Malawi.Police are expected to continue investigating how the vehicle was brought into the country and subsequently abandoned in Dowa.
The circumstances surrounding Mbalagwe’s arrest are also expected to form part of the ongoing investigations.
Kadzipatike, who is also a legislator, said he would handle the matter in his capacity as a lawyer.Mbalagwe remains a suspect, and the allegations against him have not yet been tested in court.
He is therefore presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law.
