The Alliance for Democracy (Aford) has faulted the Malawi Police Service on the handling of the violence in Mponela, Dowa on Friday ahead of the party’s rally on Sunday.
Aford vice-president Timothy Mtambo said the party’s members were allegedly attacked by suspected Malawi Congress Party (MCP) members.
In an interview yesterday, he accused the police of being hypocritical on matters of political violence and asked the law enforcers to stop glossing over issues of national concern.
Said Mtambo: “There is no excuse that political parties have not condemned violence. DPP [Democratic Progressive Party], Aford, UTM and civil society organisations condemned the Mbowe incident [in Lilongwe] but no arrests have been made till now.
“Condemning is not enough. Laws must be enforced.”
National police spokesperson Peter Kalaya, in an interview yesterday, said the police were yet to record statements from the six Aford members that lodged a complaint at Mponela Police Station.
“We instructed them to get medical reports and come back to the station to record a statement but none of them came back,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kalaya has faulted political parties for failing to tame their supporters.
Reacting to the Mponela violence in a recent statement, DPP spokesperson Shadric Namalomba blamed President Lazaurus Chakwera for allegedly turning a blind eye to such incidents.
Presidential press secretary Anthony Kasunda in a telephone response yesterday refused to comment on growing calls for the President to condemn violence and declare a fair playing field for all political parties in the run-up to the polls.
He referred The Nation to Minister of Information and Digitisation Moses Kunkuyu who was, however, not available.
Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation in a statement dated May 20 2024 and signed by its executive director Michael Kaiyatsa expressed concern with continued cases of political violence despite declarations made by all political leaders to avoid such conduct.
On the other hand, Centre for Multiparty Democracy vice-chairperson Elias Chakwera said it was their expecyayion that political players will move peacefully towards the general elections.
DPP members on February 24 2024 gathered at Mbowe Filling Station in Lilongwe for a Blue Convoy Parade before they were attacked by thugs who injured some of the party’s supporters, damaged cars and stole vehicle parts.
