The Senior Resident Magistrate’s court in Lilongwe has adjourned to April 4, 2022 hearing of a trial involving social media influencer and prominent businessperson Joshua Chisa Mbele.

The adjournment follows an application for Constitutional referral which the defense made on February 18, 2022 before High Court Judge Annabel Mtalimanja.

Speaking before Magistrate Wanangwa Nyirenda this morning, the accused’s lawyer Gilbert Khonyongwa said the High Court reserved its ruling on the application to a later date.

“This matter was adjourned to today for the defense just to update the court on the progress,” Khonyongwa said.

“The High Court heard application for Constitutional referral and we are waiting for ruling.”

Without objecting the adjournment, the State through Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Prosecutor Levison Mangani asked the defense to make a formal application on stay of proceedings in the lower court pending High Court’s determination on the application.

“You Worship, we pray that the defense make a formal stay order for the proceedings before your honourable court as we await High Court’s direction,” Mangani said.

In his response, Khonyongwa said the defense will endeavour to make such formal application.

Chisa Mbele, who is currently on court bail, is being accused of two counts of criminal libel and publication of offensive communication.