The Principal Resident Magistrate Court in Lilongwe has adjourned to Friday a case in which Chiyanjano Mbedza, a Blantyre-based artist, is being suspected of posting information that can cause harm on social media platforms.
His lawyer, Gilbert Khonyongwa, has meanwhile applied to the court for bail on behalf of his client.
Deputy National Police publicist, Harry Namwaza confirmed to MBC Digital that Mbedza was arrested on Monday in Blantyre and has since been charged on two counts relating to publication of false news likely to cause fear and alarm to the public and Cyber spamming, in violation of sections of the Electronic Transactions and Cyber Security Act of 2016.
Mbedza, 30, hails from Kazombo Village in the area of Traditional Authority Nkhumba in Phalombe district.
Reported by Thokozani Jumpha and Mayeso Chikhadzula