Former Katete District Commissioner Secures Bail In Incest Charges

The Katete Magistrates’ Court has granted bail to former District Commissioner (DC) Raphael Phiri, who is facing four counts of incest involving his granddaughter.

The ruling was delivered by Resident Magistrate Brian Nsofwa after the defense applied for bail. Magistrate Nsofwa noted that the state failed to present evidence showing that Phiri was likely to interfere with witnesses or abscond from trial.

“The state has not given this court any solid reason to keep the accused in custody,” Magistrate Nsofwa said. “On that basis, I will grant him bail.”

Phiri was granted bail in his own recognizance and ordered to provide two locally based working sureties on government pensionable salary, each bound at K50,000 in default.

Additionally, the court directed him to surrender his passport to the court clerk and strictly warned him against interfering with state witnesses.

“If you try to tamper with witnesses, your bail will be cancelled,” the magistrate told him.

Outside court, Phiri’s defense lawyer expressed relief at the decision. “My client has always been ready to stand trial and clear his name. The court has simply confirmed that there was no reason to keep him behind bars,” he said.

The case has been adjourned to September 17, 2025, for mention and possible plea.