By The Forum

Former cabinet minister and Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda has been returned to Maula Prison after being discharged from hospital, where he was receiving treatment for spinal complications.

Chimwendo, who is facing attempted murder charges, was initially remanded to Maula but later transferred to a medical facility for back treatment, reportedly worsened during police custody.

His lawyer, George Jivason Kadzipatike, confirmed on Monday that medical personnel recommended Chimwendo’s discharge, though he has not fully recovered. Kadzipatike said doctors advised regular hospital visits for ongoing evaluation.

“We hope that anytime within this week the ruling should be out,” said Kadzipatike, referring to Chimwendo’s pending bail application heard on Wednesday, December 24. The High Court is expected to communicate its decision by email.

Chimwendo is jointly charged with Alfred Dala Kadula, who faces multiple counts linked to alleged violent acts during the MCP administration between 2020 and 2025. Kadula was recently granted bail, and the courts have since restrained police from carrying out further arrests in his case following multiple earlier arrests.

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