Reported By Augustus Nkhwazi:
Principal Resident Magistrate Court in Mzuzu has reserved ruling on bail application by lawyer representing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Deputy Director of Operations, Boniface Kashololo.
Kashololo, who was arrested Wednesday on charges of disorderly conduct at a police station contrary to Section 153 of the Police Act, intimidation contrary to Section 88 of the Penal Code and assault occasioning actual bodily harm contrary to Section 254 of the Penal Code, was brought before court on Thursday to be formally told reasons for his arrest.
Lead Prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent Evance Mtepuka for Northern Region Police Headquarters told the court that Kashololo was arrested for the above offences following a complaint by Alex Mwangosi, a Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) journalist who was allegedly assaulted while covering Jappie Mhango’s arrest at Mzuzu Police Station on Tuesday.
The state further told the court that it was not ready with plea taking on the basis that there are two more suspects who have not been arrested to be jointly charged.
The state has since applied for 14 days to allow it apprehend the remaining suspects.
Lawyer representing Kashololo, Christon Ghambi, while applying for bail, stated that his client is a resident of Mzuzu, he voluntarily handed himself to the police after being called which he said is a sign of a law abiding citizen.
Ghambi said his client may not flout bail conditions if the court grants him one.
Principal Resident Magistrate Clemence Chamwenda said having heard arguments and counter arguments from both sides, the court will make it’s ruling on Friday.
Some senior members of the DPP including it’s regional governor for the North, Christopher Nzomera Ngwira, and party supporters were present during the court appearance.
