Media Institute of Southern Africa (Misa) Malawi Chapter and Public Affairs Committee (PAC) have asked authorities to arrest suspects involved in the violence that marred CCAP Blantyre Synod 150th anniversary celebrations on Sunday.
Misa Malawi has called for the arrest of those who assaulted three journalists while PAC has extended the call to include those who attacked Malawi Congress Party (MCP) officials and smashed some of their vehicles.
During Sunday’s event, Nation Publications Limited journalists Kondwani Nyondo and Francis Chamasowa as well as Francis Nkawihe of Transworld Radio were attacked by suspected Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) supporters manning the entrance to the venue.
In a press statement released yesterday, Misa chairperson Felix Washon urged the police to investigate the matter, including allegations that police officers watched as the crime was being committed and bring the perpetrators to justice.
He also called on DPP to conduct a separate investigation into the matter and discipline party supporters suspected of attacking the journalists.
Reads the statement: “Misa Malawi strongly condemns these senseless attacks on journalists who were merely doing their job.
“We urge the police to investigate the matter, including the issue that police officers watched the crime being committed and bring the perpetrators to justice. It is high time impunity for crimes against journalists came to an end.”
On the other hand, PAC condemned “in the strongest terms” the violence that occurred at a church event that has contributed to the development of the country.
PAC publicity secretary Bishop Gilford Matonga said in a telephone interview yesterday that the violence was a disgrace to democracy and to the leadership that has been calling for peace.
“Whosoever is behind this is fighting against the wishes of the people of Malawi and the wishes of the President of this country and should be ashamed,” he said.
On Sunday, DPP spokesperson Shadric Namalomba distanced the party from the incident and called on the police to investigate the assault.
Meanwhile, National Police spokesperson Gladys Chiwawula has confirmed receiving a complaint from Nyondo and saying investigations are underway to establish what happened.
“I want to assure Malawians that we are committed to making sure that people are living peacefully, without fear and protected in Malawi,” she said.
During the incidents, Nyondo was manhandled and his phone stolen, though it was later recovered by the police while Chamasowa and Nkawihe were forced to delete the photos they had captured.
