High Court Orders Compensation for 14-Year-Old Boy Abused by Police in Mulanje
Published on June 20, 2025 at 11:15 AM by Edgar Naitha
The High Court in Blantyre has ordered the Inspector General of Police to compensate 14-year-old James Mbendera, who was amputated last year at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital due to injuries inflicted by police officers in Mulanje.
The court heard that James was tied with elastic rubber (mphira) and taken to Misanjo Police Station in Mulanje, where he suffered serious harm. Police officers Charles Mbewe and Stanley Chigaru, along with local businessman Mavuto Chikhwaza, were each sentenced to 10 years in prison for causing grievous harm and failing to perform their official duties.
Lawyers Bob Chimkango and Uza Kaime represented James, who sued through his mother, while Ndoli Chiume and Benard Mbalati represented the Inspector General of Police.
In his ruling, Justice Mandala Mambulasa stated that the use of excessive force on the boy amounted to torture. He also ruled that the failure by police to promptly inform the child’s parent or legal guardian, as required by law, was both unlawful and unconstitutional.
The court further directed the Inspector General to comply with constitutional rights and the provisions of the Child Care, Protection and Justice Act when dealing with minors.
Compensation will be paid to the child, with the amount to be assessed by the Registrar.
