The High Court’s Criminal Division in Lilongwe heard defence testimony on Thursday in the case of four men charged with murdering Belington Mkumba, a 45-year-old Inventory Supervisor at Central Medical Stores. The first defendant was the sole witness to give evidence during today’s hearing, with the remaining three set to present their accounts at a later date. He was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival, having succumbed to his injuries before medics could save him. After hearing testimony from the first accused, the court adjourned proceedings until August 10, 2026, when the remaining three defendants are expected to continue presenting their defence. The State is being represented in the case by Senior State Advocates Grace Shaba and Luckia Kassim from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.