In a significant decision, the African Court on Human and People’s Rights (AfCHPR) has rejected Misozi Chanthunya’s appeal, confirming his life imprisonment sentence for the brutal murder of his Zimbabwean girlfriend, Linda Gasa, in 2010.
Chanthunya was initially convicted in 2020 by a High Court in Malawi and lost his appeal to the Supreme Court in 2021.
Undeterred, he took his case to the AfCHPR, alleging human rights violations and seeking compensation and release.
A 10-member judge panel ruled in favor of the Malawian government, upholding Chanthunya’s life imprisonment sentence.
In an interview with Our News Platform Mw, Frank Namangale, Spokesperson for Malawi Judiciary, hailed the verdict as a “victory for Malawi justice.”
He said this decision reinforces Malawi’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for victims of heinous crimes.
The AfCHPR’s ruling sends a strong message that those who commit atrocities will be held accountable.
The outcome highlights the importance of regional and international judicial mechanisms in protecting human rights across Africa.
While concerns persist about poor treatment and detention without trial in Malawian prisons, the AfCHPR’s decision reaffirms the country’s justice system’s integrity.
