Pastor to learn murder case bail ruling next week
The High Court’s Criminal Division in Lilongwe is expected to deliver its ruling on the bail application of Fountain of Victory Church Bishop Medram Felix Chirwa on November 20, 2026.
Chirwa, who is accused of murdering FDH Bank employee Tathokoza Salimu, appeared before the court yesterday for the hearing of his bail application.
During the proceedings, State lawyer Hassan Ayami of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) proposed that Chirwa should report to the DPP Criminal Registry every fortnight, starting November 21, 2026, if granted bail.
Ayami said the proposed reporting requirement would help ensure close supervision and monitor Chirwa’s compliance with the bail conditions.
However, Chirwa’s lawyer, Joseph Chiume, opposed the fortnightly reporting requirement, arguing that reporting once a month would be sufficient and more manageable for his client.
The State also proposed that Chirwa should provide registered property valued at not less than K300 million as bond, alongside two sureties each bonded at K20 million in non cash form.
Other proposed conditions include surrendering his travel documents to the court, seeking court permission before travelling outside the country and refraining from interfering with witnesses or ongoing investigations.
Following the hearing, Justice Ngwira Mwakibinga adjourned the matter to November 20, 2026, for a ruling on the bail application.
Meanwhile, Chirwa was arrested on October 6, 2026, in connection with the death of Salimu, whose body was found inside her vehicle at Chinkhota Village, near Tatolonga Bridge in Dowa District, on September 21, 2026.
