Drunk Cop Shoots Unarmed Lawyer Bob Chimkango Over Petty Dispute: The Lawyer Faces Two charges

According to eyewitnesses cited in the official police report, officers manning the roadblock observed a vehicle approaching with a visibly deflating rear tire. Despite signaling the driver to stop, the car passed the checkpoint and came to a halt just meters beyond. What followed, however, was an abuse of power that nearly turned deadly.

In a shocking revelation, it has been established that the police officer who discharged live ammunition at unarmed lawyer Bob Chimkango was drunk on duty, sparking outrage and raising concerns about law enforcement conduct in Malawi.

One of the officers, allegedly demanding money, confronted Mr. Chimkango. An argument ensued and the officer reportedly assaulted the lawyer, provoking a defensive reaction in the heat of the moment.

Instead of de-escalating, the officer escalated the situation to a near-execution, firing live rounds at the stationery vehicle, luckily Chimkango was not in the car.

In a rare moment of judicial clarity, the Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court at Midima dismissed the case against Chimkango, ordering only a minor fine of MK15,000 for what it termed an insignificant offense.

In delivering judgment, the court condemned the use of lethal force against civilians, particularly one who grew up in the area and whose parents still reside there.

The presiding magistrate posed a chilling question: “If bonafide members of the community are met with such brutal force for small issues, what fate awaits those who are strangers to the area?”

The court didn’t mince words, warning police against the reckless use of force and stressing that justice will eventually catch up with officers who abuse their power, no matter how long it takes. It was also established that Chimkango has no gun shot wounds and there was no car chase as earlier reported by the police.

However, in what appears to be a different version of the story, Limbe Police spokesperson Aubrey Singanyama stated that Chimkango, driving a Mercedes Benz (registration CZ 3), bypassed a police checkpoint while coming from Nguludi toward Limbe. A police patrol vehicle pursued him, and the chase intensified near the Weaving Factory area in Bangwe.

It is reported that during the pursuit, officers fired a warning shot and a stray bullet struck the car’s windscreen, slightly injuring Chimkango on his right hand.

He was treated as an outpatient at a nearby healthy facility but faces two charges of failing to comply with a police signal under Section 39:3 of Police Act and driving under the influence of alcohol under section 128 of the Traffic Act.

Meanwhile, the Private Practice Lawyer Chimkango is currently serving another bail granted by the Blantyre Chief Magistrate’s Court on 15th April, 2025 after his arrest by the Aunt Corruption Bureau (ABC) for allegedly receiving about K7 million in allowances not related to his work at Malawi Housing Corporation (MHC).

The way Chimkango is being treated is causing public concern because it is believed that he is being persecuted for representing the opposition DPP in the 2020 presidential Election Case where MCP was challenging the 2019 presidential results in which Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika was declared winner.

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