The Chief Resident Magistrate’s (CRM) court in Lilongwe has granted bail to leaders of Citizens Against Impunity who were arrested last week Friday on the sidelines of protests the grouping led in Lilongwe.

The six suspects; Joshua Chisa Mbele, Levi Luwemba, Seleman Moffat, Davie, Mustafa Kalilombe and Kennedy Luwembe were charged with two counts of contravening written notice written by the District Commissioner in relation to the demonstrations and inciting violence.

Among other bail conditions, the court has ordered the accused persons to pay a cash-bond of K200, 000 each, produce two traceable and reliable sureties bonded at K500, 000 non-cash each, surrender travelling documents and report to Lilongwe Central West Police Division once every fortnight.

“Our take is that the process has been fair, as identified yesterday that we were able to raise our arguments that these are minor offences obviously they have to be released on bail and the court take hid of our prayer and that’s why the accused persons are on bail today,” said Umali Mataka, one of the defense lawyers who is representing Levi Luwemba.

Senior Resident Magistrate Wanangwa Nyirenda who delivered the ruling on behalf of CRM Madalitso Khoswe Chimwaza, said the court will communicate as to when hearing of the trial is expected to commence.

Reported Mataka: “We are yet to get a date from the court because as noted yesterday [Monday], the CRM wasn’t available today, she just assigned the case to another Magistrate to deliver the ruling so once she is back we will be able to get the commencement of the trial.”

The suspects pleaded not guilty to all the counts when they appeared before court earlier Monday.