Catholic church fighting case adjourned to May 31

The Lilongwe Magistrates Court has adjourned to May 31, 2016, the hearing of a case in which 19 Catholic Church members are accused of disturbing church service on 3rd April 2016 at Likuni Parish in Lilongwe.

The case is contrary to section 128 of the penal code.

Senior Resident Magistrate Shyreen Yona adjourned the case after Police prosecutor Assistant Superintendent Dave Kusamale asked the court to adjourn the case in order to bring one more witness who is reported to have been outside the country.

The first hearing of the case took place on April 26, 2016 and so far the state has paraded three witnesses and is remaining with one.

Police arrested 15 people on April 3, 2016, and another four a day later on suspicion that they took part in the fight which erupted during a Sunday mass service at Likuni Parish following disagreements between some church members and church leadership.

The suspects which include two women and 17 men were granted bail during their first appearance in court in Lilongwe.

The 19 Catholics have since been stopped from attending any church activities until the matter is resolved.

The accused are being represented by a Legal Aid Lawyer Clemence Chamwenda.

Disturbing religious services is a criminal case which carries a maximum sentence of three years imprisonment according to Kusamale.-Additional reporting by Chisomo Mpaso Kaphiri

Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :

Sharing is caring!