Police in Mzuzu have arrested two more people in connection with the discovery of a mass grave containing about 30 bodies of unidentified Ethiopians in Mtangatanga Forest in Mzimba District.

Former first lady Gertrude Mutharika’s son, Tadikira Mafubza, was arrested alongside four others on November 23 2022 in connection with the mass grave and is currently on bail. They are facing murder and human trafficking charges.

The four others are David Luhanga, Thomas Gidson, Samuel Navaya and Duncan Kalulu.

The two suspects arrested on Sunday are Aubrey Dukes, 38, from Lilongwe and Arnold Mwakiyelo Chikwekwete, 26, from Karonga District.

The duo appeared in court in Mzuzu yesterday where they pleaded not guilty on all charges levelled against them.

Upon taking their plea, the two new accused persons asked for bail, but the cour ordered them to make formal application.

Consequently, the fresh arrest prompted the court to once again adjourn to October 17 2023 hearing of their aggravated manslaughter and trafficking in person case to which all the eight suspects pleaded not guilty.

In an interview yesterday, lawyer for Tadikira, Gilbert Khonyongwa, confirmed his clients took plea in court.

He said: “During yesterday’s hearing, it was just a day of taking plea for all the accused persons and the case will recommence on October 17 to 20 2023.

“These two fresh arrests made on Sunday, September 17 have been added to the charge-sheet as the first and second accused, shifting my client from sixth to eighth position on the roll of accused persons.”

Meanwhile, the State indicated that it will parade a maximum of 10 witnesses against the accused, including the two who are currently on remand at Mzuzu Prison awaiting bail application and trial.

Yesterday, High Court of Malawi Judge Gladys Gondwe heard the fresh plea entered for all suspects on all charges following an application by the State for the amendment of the charge sheet to reflect the gravity and how the crimes were committed.

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