By Milcah Mathias

Blantyre, December 16, Mana: Blantyre Central Senior Resident Magistrate, Euphrasia Nazombe Moyo has denied bail application to a 38-year-old Linda Chitala and her 48-year-old husband, McPherson Chitala.

The two are being accused of acts intended to cause bodily harm under Section 235 (a) of the Penal Code and the case has been adjourned to January 9, 2025 for further hearing.

In defence of the bail application made by the accused family, the state said that the two should not be given bail as they are staying together as a family; hence, they will be able to manipulate evidence before the court.

The state added that the child is not feeling well and is psychologically affected adding it is also in the interest of their security not to be given bail as they can be harmed by the angry mob.

Linda Chitala is being accused of abusing and harming her four-year-old stepdaughter, Tamandani Chitala while Macpherson Chitala has been accused of watching his four-year-old daughter being abused by his wife without taking any action.

Josephine Mitengo Gwaza from the office of Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) said the state is amending the charge sheet to include the second suspect, McPherson Chitala in the case.

Gwaza who is also the Director of Criminal Litigation from the office of the DPP requested the court for an extension of 10 more days.

“We are just wrapping up with the investigation. We had an outstanding medical report from Radiology from Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) which is expected in a few days’ time, once we receive the report then we are good to go and we will be able to proceed,” said Gwaza.

Police arrested the woman after neighbours living next to the family in Machinjiri tipped them about the abuse the child was subjected to.