Nine Inmates Granted Bail in Ntcheu Camp Court Session

Nine suspects have been granted bail during a special camp court hearing held at Ntcheu Prison, supported by Alimoyo Interaction Development and Support Organization.

The suspects are facing various charges including theft by servant, theft of a goat, breaking, and malicious damage.

One notable case involved Stephano Zimba, who was arrested on June 2 this year for allegedly stealing tomatoes worth K26,000. His counsel from Legal Aid, Zaheed Ndeketa, pleaded with the court to acquit him, citing the low value of the stolen items and the lengthy period he had already spent in custody.

However, State Prosecutor Gift Kalamula opposed the request, arguing that there was no clear record of the exact date of Zimba’s arrest. Senior Resident Magistrate Alley Abu eventually granted Zimba bail, pending further details from the State.

The court set bail conditions requiring each suspect to provide surety, two witnesses, and a cash deposit.

Ntcheu Prison currently holds around 400 inmates despite its official capacity of 200, a situation that camp court hearings seek to address by easing congestion.

Source: Times360 Malawi