MP allegedly assaults Parliament staff
Blantyre City Central member of Parliament (MP) Themba Mkandawire (Democratic Progressive Party-DPP) yesterday assaulted an employee of Parliament Secretariat, Jonnes Sabola, over a misunderstanding the two had concerning calendars.
Witnesses said the disagreement began when Sabola refused to give Mkandawire a calendar, saying it was meant for those MPs who had not received theirs.
According to the witness, this did not go well with the MP who reportedly threatened Sabola saying: “Lero undidziwa. [Today, you will know who I am].”
After the scene, Themba Mkandawire refused to speak to the media, only saying: “I know I am a celebrity today so you can go ahead and publish.”
Sabola also refused to comment, but was overheard confiding in a workmate that he was feeling stomach cramps and might go to the hospital.
Later in the afternoon he was back to his official duties.
Leader of the House Francis Kasaila has since condemned the act. He said disciplinary action would be taken.
“This is very unfortunate and we do not condone this at all. We have left the matter with the Speaker of Parliament to deal with,” he said.
Parliament chief public relations officer Leonard Mengezi also condemned the incident saying it is a disciplinary action as it does not exist in any of the standing orders.
