Mbele, others plead not guilty
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ocial media influencer Joshua Chisa Mbele and five others arrested during demonstrations they organised under the banner of Citizens Against Impunity have pleaded not guilty to charges of inciting violence and contravening a written notice issued by district commissioner (DC).
The six, Mbele, Levi Luwemba, Seleman Moffat, Mustafa Kalilombe, Kennedy Luwemba and Davie Lipheri, appeared yesterday before the Lilongwe Chief Resident Magistrate’s Court yesterday where they were informed of their charges.
Chief resident magistrate Madalitso Chimwaza read out the charges to the suspects.
On the charge of inciting violence, the suspects are alleged to have led protesters to attack shop owners and other people who were not taking part in the demonstrations.
On contravening a written notice, the suspects are alleged to have failed to adhere to the approved route. The suspects were authorised to march from Lilongwe Community Ground to the Lilongwe DC’s office, but they later wanted proceed to State House.
The suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following the plea of not guilty, the State indicated that it will parade seven witnesses to prove the case. However, the State said the witnesses were not in court and could not proceed with the case yesterday.
One of the defence lawyers, Gilbert Khonyongwa, asked the court to grant bail to all the suspects so that they should be attending trial from home.
“All the suspects live in Lilongwe, except one who lives in Salima. The suspects will be able to appear before court for trial,” said the lawyer.
Another defence lawyer, Omari Mataka, also alleged that the suspects were severely beaten during time of arrest and had their property confiscated and destroyed.
But State prosecutor Dalireni Kalanguluka did not object to the bail application, but said there was need to give conditions that will restrain the suspects from participating in activities related to their arrests.
The defence lawyers objected to conditions proposed by the State, saying such conditions will infringe on the rights of the accused.
The magistrate reserved to today.
The State also presented 10 more suspects who were charged with contravening a written notice written by the DC.
The 10, who are not being represented by lawyers, pleaded not guilty.
Some of the suspects are students in secondary schools and they asked for bail so they can attend school.
The State did not object to the bail application, but indicated that there should be bail conditions, including one restraining the suspects from participating in demonstrations till end of trial. The State also indicated it will parade five witnesses.
Chimwaza reserved for the second bail ruling to today.
Citizens against Impunity organised demonstrations in Blantyre, Zomba and Lilongwe to protest against high levels of corruption, poor governance and economic challenges affecting Malawians.
The organisers claimed the Tonse Alliance administration has failed to live up to its campaign promises for a better Malawi.
