The Senior Resident Magistrate Court in Zomba has granted bail to Reuben Anjilu Kaliza, a nurse at Zomba Mental Hospital, who is accused of assaulting a patient, Joseph Mbale, resulting in severe injuries to his pancreas.

The court heard that Kaliza allegedly assaulted Mbale during his shift on the night of November 28-29, 2024. Kaliza faces charges of grievous harm and ill-treatment of mental health patients. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges, prompting the state to call nine witnesses to testify against him.

Kaliza’s defense lawyer, Counsel Arius Chagunda from the Legal Aid Bureau, requested bail for his client, emphasizing that Kaliza is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Chagunda argued that Kaliza is a Malawian citizen, married, employed, and has been in police custody since November 29, 2024. He assured the court that Kaliza is unlikely to flee.

State Prosecutor, Senior Superintendent Lewis Makiyi, did not oppose the bail but urged the court to ensure Kaliza complies with the bail conditions.

Senior Resident Magistrate Sabina Malimbasa granted Kaliza bail on a K200,000 bond. As part of the conditions, Kaliza must report to the Eastern Region Police Headquarters twice a month.

The case has been adjourned to January 10, 2025, for further proceedings.