By Malawi Freedom Network reporter
A key witness in the ongoing case involving Alfred Gangata has made a startling revelation during cross-examination in court.
The witness admitted to personally knowing Gangata, explaining that their relationship dates back to their youth when they played together in their neighborhood.
He narrated that in 2017, Gangata approached him with a request to help him sit for the Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) examinations.
According to the witness, Gangata confessed that he lacked the academic ability to pass the exams on his own.
The two then agreed that the witness would impersonate Gangata and sit for the exams on his behalf.
In exchange, Gangata allegedly promised to pay the witness MK4 million for the act.
The witness told the court that up to this day, he has not received the promised payment.
The defense lawyer asked what requirements are necessary for a candidate to sit for the MSCE exams.
The witness responded that a valid identity card is required.
The lawyer then asked whose name and face appeared on the identity card used in the examination room.
The witness confirmed that the card bore the name and photo of Alfred Gangata.
The lawyer followed up by asking whether, based on the ID details, it would be correct to say that Gangata was the one who wrote the exams.
The witness agreed, stating, “No, you would not be wrong. That’s exactly how it was.”
The lawyer then questioned whether the witness and Gangata looked alike.
The witness replied that they looked very different and were not similar at all.
The lawyer pressed further, asking whether the witness had any fear of being caught on the day of the exam, considering the mismatch between his face and the ID.
The witness candidly admitted that he was not concerned about being caught because his focus was solely on the money he was promised.
When asked how many years had passed since the exams were written, the witness stated that it had been eight years.
The lawyer then challenged the witness on why he had waited all this time to come forward.
Initially silent, the witness eventually responded, saying, “It’s because he never paid me my money.”
The lawyer concluded the session by asking the witness which political party he supports.
The witness replied that he is a supporter of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
Following that, the defense lawyer asked the court for permission to pause his cross-examination of the witness.
The case continues.
