Former government minister and Secretary General of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Richard Chimwendo Banda, will remain in police custody until Wednesday next week, when the High Court in Lilongwe is expected to continue hearing his bail application.
The decision was made on Monday after the State asked the court to adjourn the matter, citing the need for more time to prepare and submit its response to the bail application.
State lawyers requested High Court Judge Mzonde Mvula to temporarily halt the proceedings to allow them adequate time to respond, arguing that they were not yet ready to proceed with arguments on the matter.
However, lawyers representing the accused, led by George Kadzipatike, opposed the State’s request, arguing that Chimwendo Banda’s continued detention was unjustified, especially in light of his health condition.
Kadzipatike informed the court that the MCP Secretary General is currently receiving medical treatment, including pain management, while in police custody, a situation he said could have a negative impact on his mental well-being.
Despite the objection from the defence, Judge Mzonde Mvula ruled in favour of the State, stating that the request for an adjournment was reasonable under the circumstances.
The judge noted that the defence had not submitted a formal certificate or document demonstrating that the matter required urgent hearing, a factor which influenced the court’s decision.
Meanwhile, Kadzipatike confirmed that Chimwendo Banda is receiving medical care for a back-related condition at an undisclosed health facility as he awaits the continuation of his bail hearing next week.
