61-year-old Jickson Isaac was arrested by Mchinji Police on 3 November 2022 on a murder allegation.
Following his arrest, he remained in custody at Maula Prison and had not yet appeared before any court to address the allegations against him.
The circumstances of the alleged offense were that on October 31, 2022, Isaac visited a trading center near his village to repair his only bicycle, as another one had recently been stolen. While at the trading center, he observed that people had apprehended an individual suspected of theft. Some individuals, aware of his recent bicycle loss, asked him to check if his stolen bicycle was among the recovered items. Isaac confirmed that his bicycle was not among the stolen items and proceeded to repair the bicycle he had brought with him. He then returned home.
Later in the day, rumors circulated in the village that the person caught as a thief had been found dead. At 01:30 am, the police entered Isaac's home while he was sleeping and arrested him on charges of murder. He was taken in for questioning and he denied the accusations.
On November 11, Isaac appeared in court for committal and was subsequently transferred to Maula Prison, where he remained on remand while awaiting trial.
His brother sought legal aid on his behalf, which was provided by Senior Legal Aid Advocate Ruth Harawa, with support from Assistant Legal Aid Officers Jamila Stambuli and Atusaghe Mushani. The Bureau, now representing Isaac, applied for his bail in the High Court in Lilongwe.
After nine months after the initial arrest, Isaac was granted bail on condition that he was required to provide a cash bond of MK20,000 and two sureties, each bonded at MK150,000 non-cash.
Additionally, he must report to Namitete police every fortnight until the trial commences. Isaac was also instructed not to interfere with witnesses and is not permitted to leave Chinyaka Village without authorization from the Namitete Police Officer in Charge.
Jickson Isaac hails from Chinyaka Village, T/A Mabvele, in Mchinji district.
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