By Twink Jones Gadama
High Court Judge Chifundo Kachale has set February 28, 2025, as the date for sentencing six convicted police officers for their role in the murder of Buleya Lule. Lule died in police custody in 2019 after being accused of abducting a boy with albinism.
The six police officers were found guilty of murdering Lule, who was a prime suspect in the abduction and murder of a 14-year-old boy with albinism from Dedza District.
The court’s decision marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for Lule’s family and the wider community.
Speaking to this reporter, Director of Criminal Litigation Dzikondianthu Malunda said that the state will submit its sentencing recommendations by February 20.
“We will be submitting our recommendations to the court, and we hope that the sentencing will reflect the severity of the crime committed by the police officers,” Malunda said.
Meanwhile, defense lawyer Lughano Mwabutwa has pleaded for leniency, arguing that the convicts are not the worst offenders.
“We understand that the crime committed by our clients was serious, but we believe that they are not the worst offenders. We hope that the court will take into consideration the mitigating factors and impose a lenient sentence,” Mwabutwa said.
The case has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, with many calling for justice to be served. The sentencing of the six police officers is expected to be a significant step towards achieving justice for Lule’s family and the wider community.
In a related development, it is worth noting that the High Court had earlier found ten police officers with a case to answer in connection with Lule’s death. However, three of the officers were later acquitted of the charges.
The sentencing of the six convicted police officers is expected to be a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice and accountability in Malawi. As the country continues to grapple with issues of police brutality and impunity, the outcome of this case is likely to have far-reaching implications for the justice system and the wider community.
