By Staff Reporter
The Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court in Zomba has sentenced a nurse to three years’ imprisonment for assaulting a patient at Zomba Mental Hospital, in a case the court described as a serious breach of duty toward a vulnerable individual.
Reuben Anjiru Kaliza, who was stationed at the mental health facility at the time of the incident, was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm to a patient, Joseph Mbale.
The court heard that in October 2024, at around 2:00 a.m., Mbale woke up and began making noise in the ward, urging fellow patients to wake up and bathe, claiming he would take them to Kamuzu Stadium at 7:00 a.m. The disturbance reportedly unsettled other patients within the ward.
According to evidence presented during trial, Kaliza attempted to restore order and instructed patients to return to their beds. However, Mbale allegedly continued shouting and encouraging others to remain awake. In the course of the confrontation, Kaliza struck Mbale forcefully on the back.
Medical evidence showed that the blow caused serious internal injuries to Mbale’s spleen. He was subsequently rushed to Zomba General Hospital for urgent treatment.
The prosecution paraded several witnesses, including the medical doctor who treated the victim, fellow patients who were present during the incident, and hospital staff who worked alongside the accused. Mbale also testified before the court.
In her ruling, the Senior Resident Magistrate said the State had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The court emphasized that healthcare workers have a heightened responsibility to protect patients, particularly those under institutional care who may not be in a position to defend themselves.
Kaliza was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment, with the court noting that the custodial sentence should serve as a deterrent against the abuse and ill-treatment of patients in medical and mental health institutions.
