Anti-Wanderers fans plead not guilty for football violence, on bail

Two football fans appeared before Blantyre Magistrate Court on Wednesday and denied the charges of causing violence that led to a premature end of a pre-season friendly game between Be Forward Mighty Wanderers and Silver Strikers at the Kamuzu Stadium, Blantyre on Sunday afternoon.

John Dick of 37 years old from Jim village, Traditional Authority Ndamela, Nsanje who stays in Ndirande Makata and Robert Beneti,30 years old from Willey village, Traditional Authority Chikowi, Zomba who reside in Kanjedza forest have been charged with ‘disorderly conduct at football matches contrary to section 113 subsection H of police act.

The two pleaded not guilty to violent disorder to the game which marked the launch of Japan car dealers Be Forward’s MK70 million ($=MK420) sponsorship for Wanderers.

Senior Resident Magistrate Chikondi Mandala gave the two the bail on conditions that they must not watch any football match that will be hosted at Kamuzu Stadium and within Blantyre until the case is completed.

The Magistrate also imposed bail condition to the suspectes that they must report to thenearest police station on the day of the football match and be there up until the game at the stadium has ended before they leave for their respective homes.

The two have also been ordered to report at Soche police station every Monday, one surety each worth K15 000 and that they must pay K7000 cash each.

Prosecutor, Inspector Lyson Chavinda, said the state will parade six witnesses.

The case has since been adjourned to Tuesday 31st March .