Balaka violence suspects out on bail
Silver Strikers fans, Austin Phiri and Bruno Makina, who were arrested over the violence which erupted during the Super League match between Silver Strikers and Mighty Wanderers a fortnight ago, were released on bail on Monday by Balaka second grade magistrate Maxwell Boazi.
Both Balaka police and Silver Strikers management confirmed the release of the two in separate interviews yesterday.
Balaka Police spokesperson Joseph Sauka said the two were released after paying K500 ($.125) bail bond each.
“The absence of their lawyer Christopher Sibande did not stop the magistrate from granting them bail. Apart from the K500 bail bond, they were also asked to present K18 000 non-cash sureties each, which they did not have,” said Sauka.
According to Sauka, the two will appear in court tomorrow (Friday).
Silver general secretary Mike Tembo also confirmed the release of Phiri and Makina.
“We are glad that they are out, but I advise Silver fans not to engage in violence. As a club, we condone violence in the strongest sense. This should serve as an example. The two will have to go back to Balaka again. This is expensive and disrupts normal life,” said Tembo.
