Convicted Killer Anne Mumba Denied Bail by High Court

The High Court in Lilongwe has dismissed an application by convicted murderer Anne Debra Mumba for bail pending appeal.

Mumba, who was sentenced to 53 years’ imprisonment last October for the murder of her husband, Peter Mumba, had asked the court to release her while she awaits the Supreme Court’s determination of her appeal.

Her lawyers argued that the appeal had strong prospects of success, citing errors in law and reliance on insufficient or inadmissible evidence during trial.

They also pointed to her compliance with bail conditions throughout the trial as proof she could be trusted if released.

However, the State opposed the application, insisting that Mumba had lost her freedom upon conviction and must demonstrate “exceptional and unusual circumstances” to qualify for bail pending appeal.

The prosecution further argued that her lengthy sentence means she is unlikely to serve a significant portion before her appeal is heard, and that her appeal has little chance of success.

In his ruling, Justice Mzonde Mvula agreed with the State, stressing that Mumba’s case did not present any special circumstances.

He said her conviction was sound and based on strong evidence, and described the 53-year sentence as “generous” given the gravity of the crime.

The judge concluded that releasing Mumba would undermine public confidence in the justice system, dismissing her application in its entirety.

Source: Capital FM