Police Extends Kabwila, Chakhwantha Treason Bail To April 29

MCP supporters at Area 30 during Kabwira arrest 

Police has extended to April 29th, the bail bond for two legislatures from Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Jessie Kabwila and Peter Chakhwantha.

Two legislatures were arrested in February following a Whatsapp conversation whose conted was deemed as Treasonous.

Despite confirmation from the two suspects of having been charged with treason, Malawi Police Inspector General, Lexten Kachama informed the Nation that the two were never charged of the said offense.

After their release, both Kabwila and Chakhwantha were told to appear to police on 27th February, 2016 at area 30 Police Headquarters. After appearing on that date, Police informed the two to reappear on March 18th but after going again to check their bail which is this Friday, Police have instructed them to reappear again on 29th April 2016.

Speaking in an interview, Chakhwantha confirmed the bail extension to 29th April but said "They didn’t offer much details and it was too little that we could actually appreciate as to what is going on apart from to extend our bail to 29th April.”

But he did indicate that they have been told that they are free to travel and have confirmed them “as free as before.”

Chakhwantha therefore said this extension dispel claims by Police IG that they were never charged with treason

“They arrested us and charged us. All the processes that they administer over a suspect when they are about to charge or have charged a person before taken to court were administered on us. So we still stand on that conviction that we are under arrest” he said

Kabwila

Honorable Jessie Kabwila also said she is still under arrest up until 29th April 2016 because they are still under bail.

“In other words still as we are walking around we are people who are attempting to overthrow the Government, our names are linked to that.” She said 

She said she has a charge sheet indicating details of her arrest although the Inspector General of Police, Lexten Kachama had recently told the Nation that the two were never charged

She noted that this arrest has negatively impacted her much because, she has been missing some important discussions in the House as she a part from being Salima North-West legislature is also Chairperson for Women Cause in Parliament.

“Just today in Parliament, they were discussing Land Acquision Bill, they were talkig about other issues of land. Ant I think you know very well that land issues for poor people are a problem. In my constituency, the Green Belt Initiative, is an issue that is a big borne of contention because poor people are complaining that they were either poorly compensated or they got nothing at all and this growing season they did not have anywhere to grow. 

So, during this time I could have participated and contributed but I was there going to show my bail and answering a charge of a treason by Whatsapp” she said

She therefore claimed that the whole arrest was a design to keep her off from participating in the very important matters as she is also Malawi Congress Party spokesperson.