Mangochi Senior Resident Magistrate Muhammad Chande has acquitted activist Bon Kalindo of charges of inciting violence during anti-government demonstrations that he led in the district on November 30 2023.
During the court proceedings, which lasted over three months, the State presented four witnesses from the Malawi Police Service and the District Education Manager’s offices, where property, including cars, was damaged by the protesters.
In his defence, Kalindo called three witnesses and presented a video recording containing his statements during and after presenting a petition in which he spoke against violence.
In the ruling, Chande said the State had failed to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt, thus acquitting Kalindo.
Speaking outside the court, the activist expressed satisfaction with his acquittal and praised what he described as the independence of the Judiciary in Malawi.
“This is a good day for me and my people. It also demonstrates that the Judiciary makes decisions based on the law,” Kalindo said.
He further charged that he would continue taking government to task until it implements necessary reforms.
State prosecutors declined to comment immediately, saying they wanted to study the ruling before making any official statement or decision.
In that case, Principal Resident Magistrate Martin Chipofya also cited the prosecution’s failure to provide sufficient evidence to prove Kalindo’s guilt as the reason for his acquittal.
Kalindo’s arrest in connection with the Mangochi protests occurred shortly after he had been granted bail following his involvement in demonstrations in Zomba, which also turned violent.
He had previously led similar protests in Mzuzu, which he said were aimed at pressuring the government to address economic challenges, including the rise in the cost of living triggered by the 44 percent devaluation of the Kwacha in November last year.
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