DPP, Aford clash at Mutharika’s rally

Alliance for Democracy (Aford) supporters in Rumphi removed a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) flag and assaulted its official at a venue where DPP president Peter Mutharika held a rally yesterday.

Mutharika, who is on a whistle-stop tour in the Northern Region, went to Rumphi to address his supporters.

However, police said, it transpired that Aford supporters invaded the scene, removed a flag and assaulted a DPP member who went to stop them.

Rumphi Police spokesperson Victor Khamisi, who was part of the police officers that went to quell the commotion, said police came in after DPP members phoned them about the incident.

He said there were over 20 Aford members and three were picked for questioning.

“I am coming from the scene where the fracas took place. Mutharika came here to hold a rally and when the convoy was coming, we understand Aford members removed a DPP flag and assaulted a DPP member.

“There  was a commotion and we rushed to the scene to quell the situation. As I am talking, three Aford members have been picked for questioning and DPP officials are making their statements about what happened,” said Khamisi.

DPP regional governor (North) Kenneth Sanga confirmed the fracas and the assault.

“You know that is the Constituency for Enoch Chihana and for Aford to see the multitude of people that was at the rally, they were scared and wanted to disturb the meeting,” said Sanga.

In an interview, Chihana said he was not aware of the fracas and that he would find out what went wrong.

“I cannot comment much, but it could be that the other party insulted Aford members.

“I will find out what happened and I don’t condone violence,” said Chihana.