The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Director of Youth, Steven Malondera, has expressed strong objection to the extended detention of the party’s Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda, who has been in custody for 27 days without facing any formal charges, subsequent to his arrest on December 12 for alleged attempted murder.
Nearly a month later, no charge has been laid before any competent court, a situation Malondera says is a matter of public record, not political opinion.
Through his Facebook page, Malondera expressed concern over delays surrounding a bail application made on 24 December.
According to his statement, the presiding judge, Justice Mzondi Mvula, indicated that a ruling would be communicated via email, but to date no such ruling has been delivered.
He described the silence as a replacement of due process with delay, warning that justice cannot thrive where inaction prevails.
“As Director of Youth, I have spent these painful weeks restraining and calming our young people, many of whom are understandably angry, confused, and deeply wounded by what they perceive as selective justice,” Malondera said.
He disclosed that some youths have called for mobilisation and demonstrations, but he has consistently advised restraint and patience, urging respect for the State and the Judiciary to carry out their duties without pressure or provocation.
He cautioned, however, that patience is not infinite, especially when it is met with what he described as deliberate and calculated inertia.
Malondera argued that detention without charge, without trial, and without timely judicial determination is not only unjust but illegal, as it violates the Constitution and fundamental principles of natural justice.
The MCP youth leader warned that allowing such practices to persist sets a dangerous precedent that could tomorrow be used against any Malawian, regardless of political affiliation, religion, or ethnic background.
He questioned why a citizen is being held for nearly a month without charge, why a bail ruling has been withheld without explanation, and who benefits from the prolonged detention.
“When the law is bent to punish individuals, the entire nation becomes unsafe,” Malondera said, adding that history shows injustice tolerated today often becomes instability tomorrow.
He stressed that a country cannot be governed through silence, fear, or the selective application of the law.
While condemning the continued detention of Chimwendo Banda, Malondera called upon the State and the Judiciary to act urgently, transparently, and lawfully.
He emphasized that justice delayed is justice denied, warning that denial of justice risks igniting public anger and undermining national stability.
At the same time, he urged MCP youths and all young Malawians to remain peaceful and disciplined, cautioning against actions that could harm the country.
“Our strength must remain moral, lawful, and principled,” he said, adding that peace should never be mistaken for weakness nor patience abused.
He concluded that Malawi deserves better, insisting that justice must not hide behind silence and freedom must never be held hostage by power.
