Richard Cheiwa, a 23-year old Malawian national, yesterday testified in the ongoing criminal case involving Muhammed Colleyer, Proprietor of Malawi Bar and Restaurant, who has been standing trial on charges of violating the immigration laws.

Testifying before Magistrate Abdoulie Mbackeh of the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court, Mr Cheiwa said he reported the matter to the Department of State for Social Welfare, when his adoptive father Muhammed Colleyer abandoned him.
He told the court that Fanta Ceesay, Director of Social Welfare suggested to live up to his obligations to the accused or repatriate him to Malawi. Mr Cheiwa said his adoptive father told the officials at the department that he had no money to take care of him.

Mr Cheiwa disclosed that it was the Department of State for Social Welfare that sponsored him to continue his education at Amitage Senior Secondary School.
He said upon completion of his secondary education, the accused was asked to return him to his home country, to which he (Colleyer) was reluctant. He added that the the Director of Social Welfare then decided to forward the matter to Immigration Department and found for him a foster family in Bundung Borehole in Serrekunda.

At the court, the 23-year old Cheiwa demanded for his adoption documents from Colleyer, in order for him to continue his education. He also requested from his adoptive father to help him with the address of his family in Malawi.