By Wiseman Mwenda
Lilongwe Senior Resident Magistrate Wanangwa Nyirenda has granted bail to Social media activist Chisa Mbele.Mbele who was arrested on Tuesday, is answering two counts; criminal libel contrary to section 200 of the penal code and publication of offensive communication contrary to section 87 of the Electronic Transactions and Cyber Security Act.
The particulars of the offense are that Mbele using his facebook account on January 10, 2022 alleged that Malawi Defense Force (MDF) Commander Vincent Nundwe corruptly benefitted the sum of K4 billion from deals with Zunneth Sattar who is currently under investigation.He however pleaded not guilty to the charges.
And on Friday, Nyirenda granted Mbele bail on conditions that he pays a K20 000 Cash bond, present two surities both bonded at k300 000 non cash, should not express himself in any manner that promotes hate and materials that has potential to damage other people’s reputation.He has also been ordered to report to the Police station once every fortnight on Tuesdays.
Writing on his facebook page after the release, Mbele was in his usual unrepentant mode “Azimai, Mneneri watuluka pa Bail ya MK20,000 ndi Surety ya K300,000Kuchokera pansi pa mtima. I would like to thank each one of you for unwavering and relentless moral support you have rendered for the past 3 days.Enemies of Good Governance are disappointed. I’m facing Misdemeanor Charges. Achira. Ana odya zopempha” wrote Joshua in a post that attracted thousands of positive comments from his new army of followers
