Suleman Chitera 
By MFN Reporter
November 12, 2026
Police have obtained a court warrant authorising them to search the premises of Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) in Lilongwe and seize an audio and video recording of a March 2020 press briefing involving former Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) leaders.
The search warrant, issued by a Second Grade Magistrate Court in Lilongwe on November 9, 2026, directs police to search Zodiak Radio and Television premises for the recording, which authorities say is required for investigations into an alleged offence involving the former HRDC leaders.
The recording relates to a press briefing held at Lingadzi Inn in Lilongwe on March 6, 2020, addressed by then HRDC chairperson Timothy Mtambo, his deputy Gift Trapence and senior member Reverend McDonald Sembereka.
According to the warrant, the recording is being sought in connection with an alleged offence of soliciting another person to break the law, contrary to Section 124 (1) (b) of the Penal Code.
Part of the warrant states that the recording is believed to be within Zodiak’s premises and may constitute evidence connected to the alleged offence.
It further authorises police officers to enter and search the premises, seize the recording if found and produce it before the court, before returning the warrant with details of how it was executed.
The development comes days after Lilongwe Chief Resident Magistrate Austin Banda cancelled arrest warrants that had been issued against Mtambo, Trapence and Sembereka over alleged breaches of their bail conditions.
However, following the cancellation of the arrest warrants, State prosecutor Prescott Mwayiulipo informed the court that the State intended to revive the matter.
Banda subsequently advised the prosecution to make a formal application to the court.
The latest move to obtain the 2020 recording signals continued efforts by the State to pursue investigations relating to the former HRDC leaders.
