Chimwendo remanded to prison

The Lilongwe Chief Resident Magistrate Austin Banda has authorized Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda to receive medical treatment while remanded at Maula Prison.

Chimwendo Banda, along with Alfred Dala Kadula, faces charges of attempted murder.

Chimwendo Banda’s lawyer, George Kadzipatike, informed the court that his client has been seriously ill since his arrest last Friday.

Kadzipatike noted that Chimwendo Banda has a chronic medical condition and was referred to South Africa for treatment earlier in 2024.

Although remanded, Chimwendo Banda is allowed to seek medical care from a hospital of his choice before returning to prison.

In a related development, Senior Resident Magistrate Bracious Kondowe granted bail to Vitumbiko Mumba and Jessie Kabwila.

The MCP has condemned the arrests of its officials, including Chimwendo Banda, Vitumbiko Mumba, and Publicity Secretary Jessie Kabwila, describing them as politically motivated.

Speaking at a press conference in Lilongwe, MCP Campaign Director Moses Kunkuyu urged the government to halt what he called political persecution and instead focus on resolving the country’s socio-economic issues.

Responding to these allegations, Minister of Information and Chief Government Spokesperson Shadric Namalomba rejected the claims, stating that those arrested are accused of various offenses and must face the law.