Malawi court convict Seventh Day Apostolic members for contempt

The Balaka First Grade Magistrate court in eastern Malawi has ordered two Seventh day Apostolic members to pay a fine of K7, 000 each or in default serve 14 days imprisonment for contempt of court.

The suspects Davie Phiri (38) and Gideon Dzonzi 27 who are members of Seventhday Apostolic Church have been convicted for contempt of court after they refused following court procedures.

Police Prosecutor Sergeant Lawrence Nchalisoni, said the suspects were brought before the court to answer a case of abduction where they are accused of abducting a 13 year old form one student.

“When they were told to stand up to take a plea, the suspects denied doing so despite the court giving them ample time to take plea. The suspects did not follow the orders saying that they cannot respect a person because they only respect God.”

This made First Grade Magistrate Felix Mandala to order them pay a fine of K7,000.00 each for contempt of court and in default serve 14 days imprisonment with hard labour.

He said he will only proceed with the case of abduction after they have paid the fine or expiry of the sentence.

Davie Phiri comes from Malemia village, Traditional Authority Mgabu in Chikwawa district while Gideon Dzonzi comes from Malandani village, Traditional Authority Mpama in Chiradzulu district but they are camping at Mtalika village in the district of Balaka.