High Court Rejects Senior Chief Malemia’s Bail And DNA Test Request

The High Court in Zomba has dismissed an application by Senior Chief Malemia’s lawyer, Patrick Debwe, seeking bail for the traditional leader and a DNA test in a case in which he is accused of having sexual relations with a minor and assisting in the termination of a pregnancy.

Delivering the ruling, Justice Texious Masoamphambe said the defence had argued that Malawian law allows suspects to be released on bail and that the chief has strong ties to Zomba, where his family and property are based. The defence also noted that the chief voluntarily handed himself over to police, suggesting he was unlikely to abscond.

Debwe further requested that a DNA test be conducted to determine whether the pregnancy at the centre of the case belonged to the chief.

However, Justice Masoamphambe ruled that the charges facing the chief are serious and that the case had already reached an advanced stage before the magistrate’s court. He added that public confidence in the justice system must be maintained.

The judge has since referred the matter back to the Zomba Magistrate’s Court, where Magistrate Elijah Daniels will continue hearing the case and the chief’s defence.

State prosecutors Naarai Longwe and Abdul Limbe welcomed the ruling, while Debwe said he is prepared to continue representing the chief as the case proceeds.