Kabwila demands compensation from government

Malawi Congress Party (MCP) top official Jessie Kabwila is demanding hefty compensation from the ruling Democratic Progressive (DPP) government under President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika over her arrest on treason charges.

The Police on February 2016 arrested Kabwila, Ulemu Msungamga and MCP lawmaker Peter Chakhwantha on allegations that they were planning to overthrow President Mutharika’s administration through Whatsapp conversation.

Their arrests stirred controversy and almost derailed then Parliament proceedings as the two legislators- Kabwila and Chakhwantha- were arrested during sitting of the National Assembly, a development the Parliament’s Committee on Privileges condemned.

Despite the arrest and subsequently the accused given bail by court of law, the State failed to commence court proceedings on the matter, forcing the three through their lawyer, Gustavo Kaliwo to apply for the dismissal of the case.

In his ruling, Justice Healy Potani asked the state to refrain from making arrests before completing investigations.

He also ordered the state to pay all the legal costs incurred by the applicants in the case.

Speaking to the press after the dismissal of the case, Kabwila said she will soon seeking compensation, saying the treason charge has tarnished their image as both public and political figureheads.

“This case tarnished my image as a legislature, the image of my family which went through painful moments. Somebody has to pay for this. Its unfortunate they (State) are messing up with tax-payers’ money. But they have to pay and learn a lesson.”

She then warned government to stop fabricating charges against her anyhow, challenging she cannot be defeated easily.