Mangochi Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court has cleared activist-cum-comedian Bon Kalindo of inciting violence during the November 30 2023 anti-government demonstrations he led in the district.
The court said the State failed to provide evidence on the matter.
Kalindo was arrested days after the demonstrations following complaints that people suspected of being part of the demonstrations turned violent and destroyed properties after presenting the petition.
But in his ruling, senior resident magistrate Muhammad Maxwell Chande said while it was on record that Kalindo organised the demonstration and that some properties, including those of government were damaged, there was no link that the events were orchestrated by Kalindo.
He said: “The court finds that the State has failed to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt. What the accused did was to exercise his human right.”
Reacting to his acquittal outside the courtroom, Kalindo commended the Judiciary for exercising transparency and ensuring that justice prevails during his trial.
He pledged to continue fighting for the rights of people in the country.
The State accused Kalindo of assembling people in Mangochi Town without permit and inciting violence that led to the destruction of property.
During his first court hearing, he pleaded not guilty to the charges, which prompted the State to parade four witnesses.
Through his laywer Smart Khalifa, Kalindo challenged the State to present evidence linking him to the violence.
The 48-year-old Kalindo comes from Njedza Village, Traditional Authority Mabuka in Mulanje District. The former Democratic Progressive Party legislator for Mulanje South also served as UTM Party director of youth before quitting in 2022.
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