Court begins hearing of six men accused of assaulting human rights activist Namiwa
The Lilongwe Magistrate’s Court has begun hearing a case involving six men accused of assaulting human rights activist Sylvester Namiwa during a demonstration held in Lilongwe in June this year. The suspects are also facing charges of malicious damage to property, including the destruction of a motor vehicle.
The accused have been identified as Alfred Dala Kaduya, Lameck Manduwa Mkasa, Mavuto Njuchi, Lester Kanjunga, Howard Kadango, and Joseph Gideon.
When the six appeared before Magistrate Benjamin Chulu on Monday, their defense lawyers requested an adjournment to Friday, arguing that they had not yet received charge documents from the State. However, the court rejected the request and instead adjourned the hearing to Tuesday afternoon, October 28, while denying the suspects bail.
State Prosecutor Prescort Mwayiulipo informed the court that most of the suspects were arrested last week and that police investigations are still underway to apprehend other individuals believed to be connected to the incident.
The assault case dates back to June 2025, when Namiwa, who serves as Executive Director of the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI), was reportedly attacked by a group of unidentified individuals during a protest march in Lilongwe.
The demonstration, organized by CDEDI in collaboration with other civil society organizations, was aimed at demanding greater government accountability on governance and economic issues. Eyewitnesses reported that Namiwa was assaulted by a mob suspected to have been hired to disrupt the peaceful protest.
Following the attack, Namiwa sustained serious injuries and was hospitalized. The incident drew widespread condemnation from human rights organizations, political parties, and international partners, who called for swift justice and stronger protection for activists exercising their constitutional rights.
Police investigations into the matter led to the arrest of the six suspects earlier this month, marking a significant step toward bringing the alleged perpetrators to justice.
The court is expected to resume hearing the case on Tuesday, October 28, as the State continues presenting its evidence.
