Tongues rock Ntcheu court as church leaders await bail fate

Proceedings at Ntcheu Magistrate’s Court were temporarily suspended after one of the leaders of Tembenukani Mitima Kubwera Kwa Ambuye church started speaking in tongues when asked to state her name, as the accused spent another night in police custody.

Five church leaders are answering charges of allegedly preventing people from accessing essential services, including medical treatment and education, among others, an offence the state says contravenes Section 424 of the Penal Code.

On Wednesday, the five suspects; Stella Monta, 40, Monta Monta, 40, Havey Monta, 21, Willy Monta, 22, and Memory Mwale, 35 appeared before the court.

But, drama unfolded when Magistrate His Worship Chimdima Phiri asked Stella Monta to state her name, she started speaking in what was described as a heavenly language, forcing the court to temporarily suspend proceedings.

The court later resumed the case, with the five leaders applying for bail as they continued to deny allegations leveled against them.

During the bail hearing, the accused argued that they should be released because they live close to the court and would return whenever required.

Some of them also told the court that they had left their jobs to dedicate themselves to serving God.

However, the state objected to the bail application, arguing that the suspects could interfere with witnesses if released.

The prosecution said some of the witnesses are children who live with the accused, raising concerns that they could influence their testimony.

The five rejected the claims, insisting they would not interfere with witnesses or evidence.

The court has since reserved its ruling on the bail application for tomorrow, meaning the church leaders will spend another night in police custody.