State wants Kalindo remanded

The State has asked two different courts in Lilongwe to keep on remand politician-cum-actor Bon Kalindo at Maula Prison to allow it to conclude investigations on two different cases he is facing.

He is being held on suspicion of publishing false information, a case that is before the principal resident magistrate’s Court; and is also suspected of acquiring a firearm without permit in a case that is before the Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court in Lilongwe.

Kalindo was arrested on Tuesday in Lilongwe and on Thursday, he appeared before Principal Resident Magistrate  Roderick Michongwe when State prosecutor Louis Makiyi applied  to have him remanded for seven days to enable the State secure a gadget that he used to publish false information as well as conclude investigations.

Kalindo is suspected of having made a WhatsApp voice note that the State says is likely to cause alarm to the public, and the Police want to secure the phone to protect evidence.

“The devices are in possession of the accused. The accused will have access to the materials. He can simply delete the evidence,” said Makiyi.

However, Kalindo’s lawyer Gilbert Khonyogwa objected to further detention of his client, saying what the State is asking for is pre-trial punishment.

The lawyer then made an application for bail, saying granting it will be in the interest of justice.

The suspect’s other lawyer Khwima Mchizi said the charge is a misdemeanor and Kalindo will attend court proceedings to defend himself.

The court has reserved its ruling on the application by the State as well as the application for bail by defense to today.