Malawi Govt offers maximum security to Judge in treason case: Gets threats, in hidding

Malawi government has assured that it will offer ‘maximum’ security to Lilongwe-based High Court Judge Ivy Kamanga, who has been receiving threats for granting bail to the 11 treason case suspects.

According to published reports, Kamanga was in hiding after anonymous people telephoned her and warned her that they would raid her house for granting bail to the treason suspects.

Kamanga on March 14 granted bail to opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) acting president Peter Mutharika and 10 others, including interdicted chief secretary to the government Bright Msaka, arrested on various roles they played following the death of president Bingu wa Mutharika last April.

Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Uladi Mussa, said on Monday that government has directed Police to “ensure maximum security” to Justice Kamanga and other judges.

Uladi Mussa and Insoector General of Police: Judge to get maximum protection
Uladi Mussa and Insoector General of Police: Judge to get maximum protection

“Government though its security apparatus will offer protection to Justice Kamanga and other judges,” said Mussa in  an interview with Nyasa Times.

Judiciary spokesperson Mike Tembo said Justice Kamanga received anonymous threats relating to how she has handled the release on bail of suspects in the treason case she is currently handling.

“These anonymous threats are a sad development. Justice Kamanga, as a sitting judge, like all judges, is independent and cannot be influenced by any individual or authority in the execution of her constitutional duties,” Tembo is quoted in The Nation.

He said government is required to provide security for judges and that the Judiciary always works with security authorities in the Malawi Police Service on that aspect.

National Police spokesperson Rhoda Manjolo said: “We are providing security to Justice Kamanga and we are investigating to find out the source of the threats.”

Malawi government spokesman and Minister of nformation, Moses Kunkuyu suggested that the threats on the judge might have originated from members of the opposition, particularly from those involved in the case, to cause confusion and paint a bad picture of ruling People’s Party.

Kamanga on March 14 released Peter Mutharika and 10 others on bail, setting conditions, among them, that they should not comment on the case.

Mutharika and others were arrested following the publication of a report into circumstances following the sudden death of President Mutharika and the subsequent machinations to usurp power.

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