By Staff Reporter
Police have obtained a search warrant to seize an audio and video recording of a controversial 2020 press briefing by former Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) leaders.
The warrant, issued on November 9, 2026 by a Second Grade Magistrate Court in Lilongwe, authorizes police to search and seize material from Zodiak Radio and Television premises.
The recording is of a press briefing held on March 6, 2020 at Lingadzi Inn in Lilongwe by the then HRDC chairperson Timothy Mtambo, his deputy Gift Trapence and senior member Reverend McDonald Sembereka.
According to the warrant, the recording is wanted in connection with an alleged offence of “soliciting another person to break the law” contrary to Section 124 (1) (b) of the Penal Code, Cap 7:01 of the Laws of Malawi.
The warrant reads in part:
“Being an article by or in respect of which the offence of soliciting another to break the law contrary to section 124 (1) (b) of the Penal Code, Cap 7:01 of the Laws of Malawi, had been committed or which are necessary to the investigation into such offences, is in fact or according to reasonable suspicion within Zodiak Radio Station/ Television premises.
This is to authorize and require you to enter upon and search the said premises, if discovered, to take possession of the said article and produce the same forthwith before this Court; returning this Warrant with an endorsement certifying the manner of its execution.”
The move comes just days after Lilongwe Chief Resident Magistrate Austin Banda cancelled arrest warrants that had been issued against the three former HRDC leaders over alleged breach of bail conditions.
After the cancellation, State prosecutor Prescott Mwayiulipo told the court that the State intends to revive the matter, with Magistrate Banda advising the State to make a formal application.
Police are yet to execute the search.
