Namiwa’s prolonged custody sparks concern

Sylvester Namiwa’s prolonged stay in custody is raising fresh concerns as his bail ruling continues to be delayed. The CDEDI executive director has now spent close to three weeks behind bars, with the wait for the court’s decision drawing growing attention. The Mzuzu Youth Caucus is questioning the continued delay by the High Court in delivering a ruling on his bail application. In a letter to the Judicial Service Commission dated August 20, 2026, Caucus Chairperson Gomezgani Nkhoma said the delay was concerning, particularly because the State did not object to Namiwa’s bail application. Nkhoma said Namiwa’s continued detention without a timely ruling raises questions about his right to personal liberty and a fair trial within a reasonable time. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” Nkhoma said, arguing that Namiwa’s situation reflects wider challenges faced by people who remain on remand for prolonged periods while waiting for their cases to progress. The Caucus said such delays leave accused persons and their families without certainty about their future, while potentially undermining public confidence in the Judiciary. Nkhoma also referred to a previous bail matter involving Malawi Congress Party Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda, alleging that a similar delay occurred before another court intervened. The youth group has therefore asked the Judicial Service Commission to intervene and ensure that Namiwa’s bail ruling is delivered without further delay. Nkhoma warned that if the delay continues, the Mzuzu Youth Caucus may mobilise peaceful demonstrations to demand accountability and timely justice for Namiwa and other citizens held on remand. Meanwhile, the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has also called for the expedited delivery of the ruling. In a statement, HRDC Chairperson Michael Kaiyatsa said the continued detention raised serious questions about the protection of Namiwa’s rights. “HRDC considers this an unacceptable state of affairs. Where the State itself does not oppose bail, and where an accused person’s health has visibly deteriorated in custody. “Continued detention pending an open-ended ruling raises serious questions about the protection of the right to personal liberty, the right to a fair and expeditious hearing, and the right to dignity and health care guaranteed under the Constitution of Malawi,” stated Kaiyatsa. Namiwa was arrested on July 30 on allegations of treason and publishing false news.