MALAWI: 52 people convicted for July 20 demonstrations

Police on Tuesday said 52 people were convicted for acts of violence and looting that occurred on July 20 and 21 in the Central Region during the nationwide demonstrations.

Some are, however, still appearing in court. Central Region Police spokesperson, John Namalenga, said the convicts had been answering a charge of conduct likely to cause breach of peace. “The offences were in different categories. Those with smaller offences were convicted by Lilongwe Magistrate Court, and all of them, in default, paid fines that were given,” Namalenga said.

Namalenga said 12 people were convicted and sentenced to eight months imprisonment with hard labour but, in default, they paid a fine of K3,000 each.

Ten other people who were given a month jail term paid a fine of K1,000 each while another 10 were sentenced to six months but paid K4,000 fines in default.

He also said others paid K2,500 fines in lieu of three months jail terms while an additional 10 paid fines of K2,000 instead of spending two months in jail.

Namalenga said people with bigger offences like burglary, robbery with violence, malicious damage, theft and receiving stolen property are still appearing in court. “Most of these people have been remanded at Maula Prison. Some are on bail,” Namalenga said.

Malawi erupted into violence on July 20 and July 21 in the aftermath of nationwide demonstrations against unfavourable economic and democratic governance environment. Some took advantage of the chaos to loot and destroy other people’s property.