Magistrate Dennis Mangosi has denied bail to Amos Chibaya, a former CCC legislator for Mkoba, due to his repeated involvement in criminal activities and a propensity for committing similar offenses. Chibaya, a serial offender, was recently fined US$50 for skipping court in another ongoing case.
He is now being prosecuted for inciting violence outside the Magistrates Court, where he was leading a protest to force the release of 77 CCC activists, including Jameson Timba, who had been arrested.
Chibaya has gained a reputation as a violent individual, and his continued involvement in such activities poses a threat to public peace. His militant and disruptive behavior echoes that of Job Sikhala, and incarceration may serve to rehabilitate him, as it did with Sikhala, who has since become politically inactive. Chibaya’s breach of bail conditions, coupled with his past record of absconding court, strengthens the case for his continued detention, as there is a high likelihood he may flee if granted bail.
The charges against Chibaya stem from his incitement of people to challenge the authorities, during which he made inflammatory statements against the government. His actions led to some individuals at the gathering expressing their willingness to use force to free the detained activists. Given these factors, keeping Chibaya behind bars is necessary to prevent further unrest and ensure accountability for his actions.
