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The Chilobwe Murders Trial

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 May 2014

Paul Brietzke
Paul Brietzke*
Affiliation:
Haile Sellassie I University
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Extract

Despite scant advance publicity, the hot and airless court-room of Malawi's Southern Regional Traditional Court was filled to overflowing on October 19, 1971, to hear the case against Walla Laini Kawisa. Every lawyer and senior civil servant who could possibly arrange it was there. The Police had cordoned off the area surrounding the Court. A huge crowd stood behind the barrier in an attempt to catch a glimpse of the proceedings. On the bench were three elderly chiefs, a legally-qualified magistrate and a young Judge from a lower Traditional Court. Police Superintendent Phuza prosecuted, assisted by the Attorney General and a senior CID officer. Kawisa was unrepresented and pleaded guilty to three counts involving eight murders. The Prosecutor told the Court that the accused had agreed to have other charges taken into account. Kawisa impassively pleaded guilty each time the details of a charge were read, causing a stir in the courtroom. On October 30, 1971, after an arduous presentation of the case by the Prosecutor, Kawisa was found to be solely responsible for thirty-one murders and fifteen attempted murders. Reading the Judgement, Chief Chikumbu said:

This never took place during the colonial days; but today it is proved that the accused wanted to overthrow the Government by murdiring (sic) these people… I have concluded that the accused is guilty or has done something bad. The accused should be hanged, and is not allowed to appeal.

Type
Research Article
Information
African Studies Review , Volume 17 , Issue 2 , September 1974 , pp. 361 - 379
Copyright
Copyright © African Studies Association 1974

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