Blantyre, Malawi — 15 July 2025: The University of Malawi faces mounting public scrutiny after affirming what critics are calling a “mockery of justice” against outspoken student leader Humble CS Bondo. In a decision released today, the University’s Appeals Disciplinary Committee upheld Mr. Bondo’s suspension, reducing it from three to two academic years, a move commentators describe as “polishing a rotten apple.”
Mr. Bondo, known for his pro-student activism, was initially sanctioned over allegations of sexual harassment—a charge his supporters say was cooked up as political payback. The Appeals Committee, chaired in what some observers call “a courtroom without windows,” dismissed procedural concerns raised by the High Court and rubber-stamped the earlier verdict.
Reacting to the outcome, Mr. Bondo did not mince words:
“The decision, as expected, is a mockery of justice—an outright travesty,” he said, accusing the University of trampling on Section 43 of Malawi’s Constitution, which guarantees the right to fair administrative justice. “This is Machiavellian scheming—vengeance dressed as administration, vindictiveness disguised as discipline. Yet, as every sunrise follows the darkest night, justice will soon prevail.”
Sources close to Bondo point to what they describe as a culture of retaliation and silencing at the University. “It’s an open secret,” said a former student leader, “the Vice Chancellor treats student politics like a thorn in his side. But using disciplinary action as a cover for score-settling is like burning down a house to kill a rat.”
Legal analysts highlight that High Court Judge Zione Ntaba had flagged procedural improprieties in earlier proceedings, warnings the University apparently treated “like smoke signals in a storm.” No official reason was given for dismissing those concerns.
“The institution that should champion fairness is instead behaving like a witch-hunter from a bygone century,” one observer remarked.
While the University maintains its zero-tolerance policy on sexual and gender-based violence, critics argue that such policies must not become tools for personal or political vendettas. For now, Mr. Bondo’s fate rests on whether he seeks further legal recourse.
The University’s Registrar, Martin Matululu, declined to comment beyond the official memo circulated to staff and students.
As one academic noted, “The University of Malawi’s motto may be ‘Veritas et Utilitas,’ but today truth seems to have left through the back door.”
