High Court Blocks Re-Arrest of 10 Zikwamje Gang Suspects
Published on November 14, 2025 at 11:05 AM by Evance Kapito
The High Court in Lilongwe has restrained police from re-arresting 10 suspects linked to recent political violence involving the Zikwamje gang, following an application by their lawyers for judicial review.
The suspects’ legal team argued that the State had repeatedly re-arrested the individuals despite earlier bail orders issued by various magistrates’ courts. They requested the High Court to grant them permission to seek judicial review, to bar police from further arrests, and to suspend all ongoing criminal cases.
Presiding Judge Howard Pemba granted leave for judicial review and issued an injunction stopping police from re-arresting the suspects.
In his ruling, the judge stated: “If there is any additional criminal charges against the applicants, let them be prosecuted without any further arrests.”
However, the court rejected the request to stay criminal proceedings already before lower courts.
Lawyer George Kadzipatike confirmed that the injunction had been issued and served on the police. He described the matter as a major test of the country’s respect for legal processes and constitutional rights.
“If our clients continue to be in custody beyond today, the nation should know that we now have a big problem in terms of rule of law.” Kadzipatike warned.
NPL
