By Burnett Munthali
On Friday, 28 February 2025, High Court Judge, Justice Chifundo Kachale, delivered a landmark ruling, sentencing six police officers convicted for the murder of Buleya Lule, a suspect who died while in police custody.
The sentencing took place in Lilongwe, and the case has garnered significant attention, as it raised serious concerns about police conduct and accountability in Malawi.
Justice Kachale sentenced the first convict, Paul Chipole, to 20 years in prison for his involvement in the murder of Buleya Lule.
The second convict, Ikram Malata, was handed an 18-year jail term for his role in the same offense, as the court found that he had contributed to the fatal actions that led to Lule’s death.
The remaining four convicts—Richard Kalawire, Innocent Wanda, Maxwell Mbidzi, and Abel Maseya—were all sentenced to 15 years each for their involvement in the death of the suspect.
These six officers were found guilty of torturing Buleya Lule during his time in police custody, ultimately causing his death.
Justice Kachale explained that the grievous harm inflicted on Lule was the direct cause of his death, and therefore, the court decided not to impose a separate sentence for the charge of causing grievous harm.
In delivering the sentences, Justice Kachale emphasized the court’s determination to hold the officers accountable for their actions, while also noting the importance of justice in such cases.
Lead defence lawyer, Lugano Mwabutwa, expressed satisfaction with the court’s judgement, stating that the defence team was pleased with the sentences handed down.
Mwabutwa also highlighted that the sentencing was in line with the expectations of the defence team, as they had hoped for the court to be fair in its deliberations.
State prosecutor Dzikondianthu Malunda, on the other hand, also expressed contentment with the outcome of the case.
Malunda explained that the prosecution had proposed the sentences that were eventually imposed by the court, and they were pleased that the court had aligned its judgement with their submission.
The conviction and sentencing of these police officers have had significant public implications, especially given the gravity of the crime and the growing calls for police accountability in Malawi.
The case of Buleya Lule has sparked national discussions about police brutality, human rights, and the need for reforms within Malawi’s law enforcement agencies.
Many citizens and human rights organizations have welcomed the sentencing, viewing it as a critical step towards holding officers accountable for their actions while on duty.
The case has also drawn attention to the broader issue of police misconduct, with many advocating for better oversight and stricter measures to ensure the safety and well-being of suspects in custody.
As the six officers begin their prison sentences, there are hopes that this case will serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the rule of law, upholding human rights, and ensuring that those in positions of power are held accountable for their actions.
The death of Buleya Lule has highlighted the urgent need for continued efforts to address the systemic issues within Malawi’s police force, ensuring that incidents like this do not occur in the future.
While this case has reached its conclusion, many in Malawi remain committed to advocating for further reforms, transparency, and justice in all sectors of law enforcement.
