12 more Msundwe saga suspects granted bail
The number of people arrested in connection with the looting, theft and torching of property during the July 4 to 5 nationwide protests to demand the resignation of Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson Jane Ansah has now reached 122.
After arresting 68 people in Mzuzu, Rumphi and Lilongwe, police in Mzuzu on Wednesday arrested 10 more while 10 others were arrested in Karonga. Police also arrested 34 people in Mchinji.
Speaking in an interview yesterday, National Police spokesperson James Kadadzera confirmed that more arrests were made in Karonga, Mzuzu and Mchinji.
He said police are also investigating the torching of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) director of youth Richard Chimwendo Banda’s house in Dowa, former minister Grace Chiumia’s house in Mzuzu, police units and others properties that were damaged.
“It is not just police units that were attacked. People’s houses have also been affected. We have the case involving Honourable Chimwendo’s house in Dowa and Chiumia in Mzuzu. We are following up on these cases and we will ensure that people are arrested,” said Kadadzera.
Northern Region Police spokesperson Peter Kalaya said police have also recovered two motorcycles, four printing machines and four computers that were stolen at Karonga District Council.
Human Rights Defenders Coalition chairperson Timothy Mtambo said they have engaged lawyers to assess circumstances of the suspects’ arrest to identify those deserving legal representation.
During the July 4 and 5 protests criminal acts resurfaced in Lilongwe, Blantyre, Zomba, Mzuzu, Rumphi and Karonga.
