Court gives Blantyre ward councillor bail
Blantyre Magistrate’s Court yesterday granted bail to Bangwe Mthandizi Ward councillor Isaac Jomo Osman who was arrested on Monday.
Osman, popularly known as Ntopwa I, was charged with malicious damage and theft contrary to Section 344 (1) and 278 of the Penal Code.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In granting bail to Osman, which was not contested by the State, chief resident magistrate Ezelina Zidule attached three conditions, including payment of a K200 000 cash bond, surrender of his travel documents and that he should inform Limbe Police Station when seeking to travel outside Blantyre.
Zidule warned Osman that failure to abide by the conditions will lead to revoking of his bail.
In an interview after the hearing, lawyer representing Osman, Joseph Lihoma, said he was satisfied with the decision and that his client is ready for trial.
“It is good news for our client that he has been granted bail. We feel that justice has been served,” he said.
In a separate interview, State prosecutor Senior Superintendent Bright Sanudi said they will parade two witnesses on July 24 when hearing of the case will begin.
“We are not worried with the bail since investigations have been concluded,” he said.
Limbe Police Station spokesperson Patrick Mussa said it is alleged that on May 25 2019 Osman with other people, armed with pangas, stormed into the compound of Blantyre Bangwe legislator Orphan Shaba (Independent) where they caused chaos.
He said Osman allegedly damaged three car windscreens and stole five mobile phones amounting to K1 035 000.
