Court Reserves Bail Ruling for DPP’s Boniface Kashololo

The Principal Resident Magistrate Court in Mzuzu has reserved its ruling on a bail application filed by the lawyer representing Boniface Kashololo, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)’s Deputy Director of Operations.

Kashololo appeared in court on Thursday after his arrest on Wednesday over charges of disorderly conduct at a police station contrary to Section 153 of the Police Act, intimidation under Section 88 of the Penal Code, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm contrary to Section 254 of the Penal Code.

The State, led by Assistant Superintendent Evance Mtepuka from the Northern Region Police Headquarters, told the court that Kashololo’s arrest followed a complaint lodged by Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) journalist Alex Mwangosi, who was allegedly assaulted while covering the arrest of DPP official Jappie Mhango at Mzuzu Police Station on Tuesday.

“The accused was involved in conduct that disrupted police operations and led to an alleged physical altercation with a journalist,” Mtepuka said.

However, the prosecution told the court it was not ready for plea taking, citing the need to apprehend two more suspects connected to the same case. The State has applied for 14 more days to finalize investigations and charge all three jointly.

Defending Kashololo, lawyer Christon Ghambi argued for bail, stating, “My client resides in Mzuzu and voluntarily turned himself in when summoned by police, which demonstrates that he is law-abiding and unlikely to abscond.”

Ghambi further assured the court that Kashololo would adhere to any bail conditions if granted.

Presiding over the matter, Principal Resident Magistrate Clemence Chamwenda said, “Having heard arguments from both the State and the defense, this court will deliver its bail ruling on Friday.”

The courtroom saw the presence of senior DPP officials, including the party’s regional governor for the North, Christopher Nzomera Ngwira, and a group of party supporters showing solidarity.