The Senior Resident Magistrate’s court in Lilongwe has adjourned hearing of a case involving well-known social commentator Joshua Chisa Mbele to April 4, 2022.
The adjournment follows an application for Constitutional referral which the defence made on February 18, 2022 before High Court Judge Annabel Mtalimanja.
Speaking before Magistrate Wanangwa Nyirenda this morning, lawyer for the accused, Gilbert Khonyongwa said the High Court reserved its ruling on the application to a later date.
Without objecting the adjournment, the State through Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Prosecutor Levison Mangani asked the defence to make a formal application on stay of proceedings in the lower court pending High Court’s determination on the application.
In his response, Khonyongwa said the defence will endeavor to make such formal application.
Chisa Mbele, who is currently on court bail, is being accused of two counts of criminal libel and publication of offensive communication.
