LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-One of the country’s governance commentators Robert Mkwezalamba has expressed deep concern over the government’s handling of the case involving former Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Colleen Zamba, after she was not taken to court as expected on Thursday.

Mkwezalamba said the development raises serious questions about whether President Peter Mutharika’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP-led administration is fully committed to upholding the rule of law.

He argued that the failure to present Zamba in court suggests that the State is not ready to prosecute the matter, which could weaken public trust in the justice system.

According to him, if authorities were indeed prepared, they would have allowed Zamba to appear before court on Thursday, December 4, 2025.

Mkwezalamba observes that delaying the process only gives the impression that government is buying time to organise its case, a practice he warned could lead to costly consequences should the matter collapse due to inadequate investigations.

He further questioned why Zamba has been denied bail when she has not even been presented before a magistrate.

Mkwezalamba said it is surprising that someone who was due in court today remains in custody without being taken before a judge.

“What is shocking is that the State is blocking bail while, at the same time, failing to take her to court. This raises doubt about whether the government is properly prepared. In matters like this, delays end up costing taxpayers through compensation when cases fall apart,” he said.

Mkwezalamba added that if the State felt Zamba was a flight risk, it should have completed its investigations before effecting her arrest.

He said historically, new administrations often target officials from previous regimes, a trend he believes the government should avoid if the justice system is to be respected.

He argued that the DPP has had more than four years to investigate the matter thoroughly before arresting Zamba and that rushing to detain her without completing inquiries only fuels suspicion of political motivation.

Mkwezalamba also questioned the absence of the judge assigned to the matter, who is reportedly travelling to Salima tomorrow.

He said it is unclear why Zamba was not taken to court today, given that the presiding judge will be unavailable until next week.

He warned that if the hearing resumes on Monday, there is a strong likelihood that bail will be granted, which could weaken the State’s position. He insisted that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.

Mkwezalamba dismissed fears that Zamba could have fled the country before her arrest, arguing that tracking a former top government official is relatively easy due to the nature of her previous role.

He also raised concern that the incident is taking place during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, saying it is unfortunate that a high-profile woman is entangled in a case that appears poorly handled.

Mkwezalamba concluded by urging the DPP government to conduct its operations professionally, lawfully and transparently. He stressed that Malawians expect a justice system that is fair, prepared and free from political interference.

The Maravi Post