Defence challenges jurisdiction as Chimwendo case heads to High Court.
By Edwin Mauluka
Former cabinet minister and Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda has been charged with attempted murder and ordered to remain in police custody pending the commencement of his case in the High Court.
Chimwendo appeared before Lilongwe Chief Resident Magistrate Austin Banda, who ruled that he be remanded as the matter awaits formal commencement at the High Court.
He has been jointly charged with Alfred Dala Kadula, who faces multiple counts linked to acts of violence allegedly committed during the period the MCP was in government between 2020 and 2025. Kadula was recently released on bail.
Before being transferred to Maula Prison, Chimwendo was expected to undergo a medical examination after his lawyers informed the court that he suffers from a spinal condition, which they said had deteriorated during his time in police custody.
Presenting the state’s case, prosecutors alleged that Chimwendo and Kadula attempted to kill Frank Chawanda in 2021.
However, defence lawyer George Kadzipatike asked the court to commit the matter to the High Court, arguing that the Chief Resident Magistrate lacks jurisdiction over cases related to homicide.
The state countered that bringing the suspects before the lower court was a procedural step required to formally commit the case to the High Court.
The court has not yet ruled on the defence’s application. Kadula has also been exempted from remand after obtaining an injunction last month restraining the state from detaining him.
In a related development, Senior Resident Magistrate Bracious Kondowe has granted bail to Vitumbiko Mumba, who was running mate to President Lazarus Chakwera in the September 16, 2025 general elections, and MCP spokesperson Jessie Kabwira.
The two are facing charges of publishing false news likely to cause public alarm, stemming from remarks they made at a press briefing before the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) officially announced the 2025 election results.
According to the state, Mumba and Kabwira alleged that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was involved in electoral fraud, claims the prosecution argues were likely to cause fear and alarm among the public.
In his ruling, Kondowe ordered the two to pay K1 million cash bail each, provide one non-cash surety bonded at K2.5 million, surrender their travel documents, and report to police every fortnight.
Chimwendo and Mumba were arrested last Friday, while Kabwira handed herself over to police on Sunday morning.
—
Also Read: Arrests of senior members spark MCP outrage as party cries political witch-hunt
Related: Malawians weigh rival visions before September 16 vote
Related: A nation that can’t protect its people can’t prosper
