By Rahim Abdul
The High Court in Blantyre has ordered the Inspector General of Police to compensate James Mbendera, a 14-year-old boy who was brutally tortured and injured by police officers in Mulanje.
The court ruled that the police’s use of excessive force and failure to inform the child’s parent or guardian was unlawful and unconstitutional.
The case stemmed from an incident where James Mbendera was tied with elastic rubber and taken to Misanjo Police in Mulanje, where he sustained injuries that led to his amputation at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital.
The police officers involved, Charles Mbewe and Stanley Chigaru, were sentenced to 10 years in jail for causing grievous harm and neglecting their duties.
The court’s decision also emphasized the need for police to comply with constitutional rights and child protection laws when dealing with minors.
The compensation amount will be determined by the Registrar.
This ruling serves as a significant step towards holding law enforcement accountable for their actions and ensuring justice for victims of police brutality.
