JB’s sister released on bail

Sister to former President Dr. Joyce Banda, Cecilia Kumpukwe together with two others have been released on bail by the Lilongwe Magistrate Court after paying K400,000 cash and two sureties bonded with K150,000 non cash.

Police first arrested People’s Party official Stella Assani then Kumpukwe. They also arrested Stanley Mkwala.

The three were taken to court today to be formally charged and the case was presided over by Senior Resident Magistrate Chisomo Nsokera.

The three were charged with three counts namely; making false document contrary to section 353 of the penal code, publishing of false news likely to cause fear of alarm contrary to section 60 of the penal code.

Then the lawyers for the three accused applied for bail which was granted despite protest from state prosecutor.

Before granting bail to the three accused, Nsokera ordered them to surrender their travel documents.

Court also ordered that Assani and Kumpukwe, who are based in Blantyre, must report to Southern Region Police Headquarters every Tuesday before 12 PM until the case ends.

While Mkwala will be reporting to National Police Headquarters in Lilongwe.

Meanwhile the case has been adjourned to May 27, 2017.