The conduct of suspects in a political violence case has come under public scrutiny after they hurled insults at police officers prior to their bail hearing at the Lilongwe Chief Resident Magistrate’s Court.
The suspects are accused of orchestrating attacks on political rivals and activists ahead of the September 16 elections.
Upon arrival in a heavily guarded police van, the handcuffed suspects—paired together—were heard directing verbal abuse at officers, many of whom were dressed in camouflage uniforms.
“Mukukanika ntchito yanu apa! Kukamanga ife anthu osalakwa!” shouted one of the suspects.
“Inu anthu oyipa!” another protested, as captured in a video that has since circulated widely on social media.
Reacting to the incident, security and political analyst Ntchindi Mhango condemned the suspects’ behaviour, saying law enforcers were merely performing their duties.
“The police officers were just there to provide security. Their prosecution is a totally different undertaking altogether,” said Mhango.
“In fact, they are called suspects for a reason—they have a chance to prove their innocence. Let the police do their job without being threatened.”
Mhango, a former military officer, also urged Malawi’s youth to desist from being used as tools for political violence.
“Without prejudging the suspects, as that is the court’s role, young people should learn from this situation,” he added.
Some of the suspects’ freedom proved short-lived. After being granted bail by the Lilongwe Chief Resident Magistrate’s Court, they were immediately re-arrested on fresh charges.
State Prosecutor Prescott Mwayiulipo confirmed that 11 suspects had been granted bail, while six others were arrested in connection with an April 2024 incident at Mbowe Service Station in Lilongwe, where a gang allegedly attacked Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) supporters during a planned parade.
“The 17 are expected to appear before court tomorrow. You will hear the charges then, as we have already filed the charge sheet,” said Mwayiulipo.
The fresh arrests sparked anger among the suspects’ sympathisers who had gathered at the court, with some confronting police officers in protest over what they described as unfair treatment.
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) spokesperson Jessie Kabwila, who attended the proceedings as a concerned citizen and human rights defender, accused the authorities of politically-motivated arrests.
“These arrests are an abuse of power. This kind of executive arrogance is typical of the DPP,” said Kabwila.
