A Senior Resident Magistrate Court in Zomba has granted bail to Reuben Anjilu Kaliza, a nurse accused of assaulting a patient at Zomba Mental Hospital, causing significant damage to the patient’s pancreas.
Kaliza, who was on duty between the night of November 28 and 29, allegedly assaulted Joseph Mbale, a mental health patient. He is facing charges of grievous harm and ill treatment of a mental health patient. Kaliza pleaded not guilty, prompting the state to bring in nine witnesses to testify against him.
During the court proceedings, Kaliza’s lawyer from the Legal Aid Bureau, Counsel Arius Chagunda, requested bail for his client, arguing that Kaliza is not yet guilty and should not be denied bail. Chagunda emphasized that Kaliza is a Malawian citizen, married, employed, and has been in police custody since November 29. He assured the court that his client would not flee.
State Prosecutor, Senior Superintendent Lewis Makiyi, did not object to the bail request but emphasized that Kaliza must adhere to bail conditions.
Senior Resident Magistrate Sabina Malimbasa granted Kaliza bail in the sum of K200,000 bond. He was also ordered to report to the Eastern Region Police Headquarters twice a month.
The case has been adjourned to January 10, 2025, for further proceedings.
