From Maula Prison, Bishop Chirwa insists: ‘I know I did not do it’

Bishop Medram Chirwa, the Fountain of Victory Church leader on remand over the death of bank employee Tathokoza Salimu, says he has nothing to fear because he did not commit the crime.

There are moments when public scrutiny arrives long before the facts. In such cases, the burden borne by those accused can be profound, particularly when allegations are as serious as those currently surrounding Bishop Medram Chirwa.

As a murder investigation continues to attract public attention, broader questions are being raised about justice, due process and the presumption of innocence.

At the centre of the controversy is a man who, despite the gravity of the accusations, insists he has been wrongly implicated.

Supporters of Bishop Chirwa have also challenged elements of the case against him, pointing to questions about his whereabouts during periods referenced in the allegations.

They argue that he was not in Lilongwe at key times cited in the charge sheet, a claim they say deserves careful examination as investigations proceed.

When this reporter visited Maula, Chirwa appeared notably composed. Seated with his Bible in hand, he smiled easily and spoke with confidence about the situation confronting him.

Far from appearing weighed down by the controversy, he projected an air of calm resilience.

“I know I didn’t do it. Why should I be worried? Look at me,” he said with a smile.

Joking about the intense public attention surrounding the case, he remarked that he was even putting on weight, laughing as he spoke.

Whether such confidence reflects innocence or simple determination remains a matter for investigators and the courts to establish.

What is clear is that allegations alone cannot substitute for evidence, nor public opinion for due process.

The public has a legitimate interest in understanding what happened and who bears responsibility.

But that search for truth must be guided by credible evidence and the rule of law.

The task now facing investigators is to establish the facts, while the courts must ultimately determine whether the allegations against each accused person can be proven beyond reasonable doubt.

Until then, the principle that every individual is innocent until proven guilty remains fundamental.

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