The Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court in Blantyre is set to deliver its ruling today on the bail application for Billy Severe, popularly known as Billy One, who is facing charges related to threatening the vice president Dr Michael Usi, via the internet.

Prosecutor Lloyd Kachotsa, representing the state, informed the court that Severe had issued threats online against Usi, stating he would “deal with him” through a group he allegedly formed called Zigawenga.

However, in his bail request, Alfred Lungu of Gondwe Attorneys, representing Severe, argued that it is every individual’s right to face trial while out of police custody.

Opposing the bail request, Kachotsa emphasised that Severe could flee, especially since some of his accomplices remain at large. He further argued that releasing Severe on bail could interfere with ongoing police investigations aimed at gathering more evidence in the case.

Yesterday, Senior Resident Magistrate Lawrence Mchilima postponed the proceedings and stated that he would deliver his decision on the bail application today.

Billy One, 39, faces charges under Section 86 of the Electronic Transactions and Cyber Security Act, relating to making threats via the internet.

Billy Severe hails from Wendewende Village, Traditional Authority Mkanda in Mulanje district.

MIJ Online