Standard Bank robbery cop under maximum security

Government has started according the K0.5 billion Mzuzu Standard Bank robbery suspect—interdicted police officer Ken Kamwambi—maximum security when appearing before court.

He appeared before court on Friday in Mzuzu after magistrate Cuthbert Banda on Thursday ordered his presence to avoid an indefinite adjournment that the State was seeking.

He was driven from Chichiri Prison in Blantyre to Mzuzu under heavy security, which was beefed up when he was taken to court.

Over 30 security officers—heavily armed and non-armed—from Northern Region police headquarters, Mzuzu Police Station, D Company and Mzuzu Prison warders were spotted providing security when Kamwambi appeared before court in Mzuzu.

Apart from the heavy security detail, Kamwambi had his legs and hands cuffed from the court to Mzuzu Standard Bank Branch, where the court moved to for details of the robbery, and back.

However, Kamwambi’s lawyer, Leonard Mbulo, condemned the heavy security against his client, saying it is inhuman.

He said the State is giving the public wrong a picture about Kamwambi when he has not yet been found guilty.

“The case has just commenced and you wonder why he should be given such security. He is only a suspect. A person is innocent until proven guilty, but the picture they are giving is as if he has been convicted and he is a dangerous criminal,” said Mbulo. He said he will complain to the court about that.

While confirming that the security officers were from various institutions, Mzuzu Police spokesperson Martin Bwanali said some officers might have been present out of curiosity.

She, however, said the case is a high-profile one; hence, police had to ensure enough security.