High court judge Zione Ntaba has today declared the sweeping exercise carried by the Malawi Police Service unlawful.

Judge Ntaba made the ruling today following a judicial review in which three people were challenging the constitutionality of the sweeping exercise and mass arrests conducted by the police.

At the time of their arrest, Banda was working as a DJ at a local bar, Mwale was having a drink at a club, and Supiyani was selling fish at a bar.

According to Chikondi Chijozi lawyer for three, the court has also ordered that police should develop proper procedures for conducting mass arrests and that the three should be compensate for violation of their rights.

She said the court also expressed disappointment over the failure by the office of the Attorney General to file submissions despite expressing interest to do so.