Political violence suspects to appear in court today

Phalombe Magistrate’s Court is today expected to hear witness testimonies in a case in which nine people are accused of causing violence during the fresh presidential election on June 23 in the district.

The suspects appeared in court on Wednesday where they all pleaded not guilty to the charge of conducting themselves in a manner likely to cause breach of peace in a public place.

It is reported that the suspects on polling day at Nazombe Primary School Polling Centre in Phalombe East Constituency, threatened voters to choose a particular candidate.

Phalombe Police Station prosecutor Davie Muloza told the court that the State will parade witnesses to testify against the accused.

“Our investigations are still in progress and we will amend the charges relating to electoral laws. We appeared in court to tell the accused why we are keeping them in custody as the Constitution states,” he said.

Phalombe first grade magistrate Damson Banda adjourned the case to today [Friday].

All the suspects come from Traditional Authority Nazombe in the district.

However, despite the alleged threats from the suspects, voting went on well at the polling station.

On Tuesday, Malawians went to the polls to elect president following the nullification of the May 21 2019 presidential election on February 3 this year by the High Court sitting as the Constitutional Court.