Chimwendo Banda returned to Maula Prison after hospital discharge

By Michael Martin//MALAWI

Outspoken Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda has been discharged from hospital where he had been receiving medical treatment.

Chimwendo Banda had been admitted to the health facility for close to two weeks after falling ill while in police custody.

Following his discharge on Monday afternoon, he was taken back to Maula Prison where he is currently being held.

He is awaiting a ruling on his application for police bail.

Magistrate Zondi Mvula earlier indicated that the decision on whether Chimwendo Banda will be granted bail will be communicated via email.

Chimwendo Banda’s lawyer, George Jivason Kadzipatike, confirmed that his client was discharged from hospital based on doctors’ recommendations.

However, Kadzipatike said Chimwendo Banda is not fully recovered, noting that doctors have scheduled another date for him to return for further medical attention.

The lawyer expressed concern about his client’s health, given that he became ill while in the custody of the police.

Chimwendo Banda has remained in custody as legal processes regarding his bail application continue.

Authorities have not yet indicated when the court will deliver its ruling on the bail request.