Presiding over the matter, Justice Eddah Ngwira-Mwakibinga ordered the State to re-arrest and produce the eighth accused, Precious Billiat, before the court within seven days. The ruling followed defence arguments that the prosecution had failed to execute an arrest warrant issued on July 15. Principal State Advocate Collen Mwenechanya informed the court that police had already begun searching for the eighth accused. Justice Ngwira-Mwakibinga criticised the prosecution’s handling of the matter, saying its conduct lacked seriousness and “left a lot to be desired.” The eight suspects are facing charges in connection with the alleged murder of two Chinese nationals, as well as a series of armed robberies targeting Chinese businesspersons in Lilongwe.