Demanding justice for Waheeda as William Phiri who killed her walks free from prison
Lilongwe businessperson William Mark Phiri, who allegedly murdered his lover Waheeda Bagus, 23, has been released from prison on bail prompting the victim’s family to demand speedy trial and ensure the case reaches its logical conclusion.
The 37-year-old Phiri of Mak Construction shot his ‘baby mama’ Waheeda on December 15 2019 in Lilongwe and died at Kamuzu Central Hospital a few days later aged 23.
Bagus family were incensed with the release of Phiri, who has been on remand for more than a year and has been throwing parties in the capital city Lilongwe to celebrate his gaining of liberties.
Late Waheeda’s aunt Fernanda Mussa Omar said it was heart-breaking that Phiri was roaming in the streets freely and that he is “ a threat to our family and to everyone…”
She said Waheeda was killed brutally “and we are still grieving for her.”
Private practice lawyer and former Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Ishmael Wadi took to his Facebook page demanding justice for Waheeda, said he was concerned that Phiri’s release stall the case.
“From experience as a defence lawyer and a prosecutor, when accused people are released on bail, what follows is a delayed trial and a delayed trial is basically a delay of justice. This has been a common practice for a very long time,” he said.
Wadi said although the law sets time limit as to when a murder suspect can be on remand, “the general principle has been that they are detained and answer the charges from remand”.
The private practice lawyer, who was the country’s top prosecutor between 2004 and 2006, said he has since appealed to Judiciary to treat the case as a priority.
“This is a case that generated public concern and outrage. So, we ask the High Court to set up a speedy trial,” said Wadi.
Phiri, who is known in Lilongwe for having multiple co-current sexual partners, was released by Justice Lovemore Chikopa of the Supreme Court who based his decision on Section 161 of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Code, which sets time limits as to when an accused can be detained without trial.
Justice Chikopa also makes a reminder that “an accused is presumed innocent and that an accused must never be remanded in custody as a form of punishment.”
However, Chikopa imposed bail conditions for Phiri which include a K2.5 million cash bond; two sureties of K1.5 million non-cash bonds, surrendering his travel documents and reporting to Lingadzi Police Station every fortnight.
Phiri has a strong defence lawyers who include Zwelithini Chipembere, Manuel Theu and Edgar Kachere.
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The issue is: why is the trial taking too long? I have no problem with Chikopa ruling which apparently is according to the law.
Komanso tu atsikana. Such a beautiful girl amafuna chani kwa chinkhanira ichi. Nkhope yowonekeratu kuti ndi chirombo. Akufanana ndi rhino
Ndalamatu basi, ndi zimene zikutipha
This guy is an animal, his day is coming.
Judge Love more Chikopa, Judge Dingiswayo Madise, Judge Kenyatta Nyirenda, Judge Ching’ani Mkandawire and that Zomba Magistrate (who gave a midnight release order in the Thom Mpinganjira case when the case was not even before him). These guys are great judges. I hope Chatham House can also give these guys an award
Bambo Phiri musiye ma party wo do a thorough examination of your conscience. Repent ndipo ask for forgiveness from akazi Anu MG 1 and from akubanja. Plead guilty with utmost remorse. Mahule achizibambo NONSE okwatiwa, mukazawona mzimai woyera naturally wa makeup ya overdose run for your dear life. My own observation mumakhala azibambo akuda ngati mdima koma khobidi lokhalo mkazi woyerayo kumachita kuziponyera kwa inuyo. . Sichikhala chikondi koma akubereni chumacho. Chenjerani ndipo asamareni ma JEZEBEL amenewa. Ambiri ama JEZEBEL amenewa amakhala Ali ndithu pabanja abwino kwambiri achumanso koma kusakwanisidwa basi ati zonse zikhale zawo…azakulakwisani ndikukuchoserani ulemu wanu. Kuchoka paubwana… Read more »
Mahule NONSE samarani. Walupanga limamupha ndi lupanga lake lomwelo. Sorry guys BUT, the late disrupted a family. Then she continues to disrupt other relationships. Malemuwo anali osalhazikika a Mbuye angiyenera kuwatenga azimsi snzawo apume kulirira aximuna awo. Aaah badi! I do not condone the murder nor am I defending the murderer…koma uhule was azimai apamabanja ukuchuluka heavy. 2022 Mahule nonse amene munapanga maukwati WOYERA ndikuti mumuziwe YESU ndikumamuthokoza kuti anakupasani amuna anuwo osamavuliranso amuna ena…. Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted. Mahule NONSE okwatiwa ndinu ma WITCHES ndipo mukapaka makeup mumasanduka JEZEBEL weniweniyo…Sono Bible ikuti suffer… Read more »
Judge Lovemore Chikopa, hmmm……. Comment reserved.
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The judge simply followed the law applied it and discharged the guy from prison . There is no issue here. When the state is ready with the case, it will take him to court. Any case including mutter is bailable . Remember Raphael Kasamabara case ? So don’t argue from an ignorant platform. The guy hired lawyers to argue from an informed platform and Chikopa has granted them their wish having looked at the law and evidence before him . He can’t be in remand for more than a year . Someone must be sleeping on his job . The… Read more »
The bugas if they don’t getting justice from the legal system of the land, they should consider other alternatives remember revenge is permitted in islam and the bible say an eye for an eye.
This is quite true. If you have such incidents in future my fellow Malawians, don’t depend on the courts it’s a waste of resources such as time and money on lawyers. I am a revenge expert based on masenga and muti (magic) called ‘Wandilondozge’ for a little fee. Money will never buy back life for your dead loved ones but will take away the life of your loved one’s perpetrators.
Why is it taking so long to process his case to the point the judge has to release him? Are the courts and public prosecutor slow to deliver justice? Are police still investigating? What’s the cause for the delayed justice on a simple case of violent murder by an unrepetant evil men?