Two men who spent six months in jail for a murder they did not commit have been freed after the actual perpetrators confessed, according to Nyasa Times. High Court Judge Justice Kondwani Munthali ordered the immediate release of Jimmy Mukholi and Thomas Makina during a sitting in Dedza. The two men were arrested in January after Frazer Lupiya, a passenger in their vehicle, was killed in a highway attack. Judge Munthali criticized authorities for holding the men beyond the statutory 90-day limit despite evidence pointing to other suspects who were later arrested and confessed to the crime.
Update: The Malawi Congress Party and three of its legislators have officially withdrawn their contempt of court proceedings against Chief Secretary to the Government Justin Saidi and Cabinet minister Chimwemwe Chipungu, The Nation reports. The case originally stemmed from accusations that the government officials neglected to pay rent for the Malawi Electoral Commission offices and warehouses in Lilongwe. Lawyer George Kadzipatike confirmed the withdrawal but noted that an injunction preventing the electoral body from relocating its headquarters to Blantyre remains active.
Update: Jailed rights activist Sylvester Namiwa was temporarily rushed to ABC Hospital in Lilongwe after falling ill in police custody, Nyasa Times reports. Namiwa, who faces treason charges, has since been returned to prison as the High Court deliberates on his bail application. During recent proceedings, defense lawyer Gift Mwenye challenged the state's proposed two million kwacha bail bond, arguing the amount is excessive for a voluntary civil society worker. The court has not yet announced a date for its ruling on the bail conditions.