Senior Resident Magistrate Montfort Misunje has granted bail Chisomo Makala, a 20 year-old woman who was arrested for sharing indecent pictures on a WhatsApp group depicting President Lazarus Chakwera.

Appearing before court on Thursday in Lilongwe, Magistrate Misunje said the State has failed to demonstrate how the accused will interfere with its witnesses, as an objection which it earlier presented before the court.

The court has however directed the accused to pay a cash bond of K10, 000, produce one traceable and reliable surety bonded at K30, 000 non-cash and be reporting to Central West Police Headquarters on Thursdays every fortnight.

The State earlier objected application of bail on grounds that the accused has no permanent residence and may interfere with state witnesses.

Hearing of the matter has been adjourned to November 10 this year.

Makala is suspected to have committed the crime on September 1, 2021 by police following the sharing of a video clip on Mandoda Comedy WhatsApp group.

Any person convicted under the offense is subjected to a K2 million fine or serve 5 years in imprisonment.