DPP cadets repent

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) youth cadets, renowned for inciting violence and terrorising critics of their party leadership, say they have changed and now want to be associated with charity, development and peace building.

The cadets said in Mzuzu the terror they caused was retrogressive and not on for the good of the country’s development.

Speaking after donating bags of maize, plates, sugar and other items worth K2 million (US$4 444) to Mzuzu Prison on Saturday, Patriotic DPP Cadets (PDC) strategist Kelvin Tchali apologised for the crimes the cadets committed, saying the cadets want to be associated with development, charity and peace building activities.

Tchali said the youth should not been seen as agents of violence, but catalysts for development and peace and that is what the DPP cadets are striving to achieve by helping President Peter Mutharika develop the country.

He said: “We are now born-again. We have repented. The violence the cadets caused in the past was uncalled and should never be glorified or condoned.”

Mzuzu Prison officer in-charge Herrings Nyalubwe and the inmates thanked the cadets for visiting and donating to the prison. They said the inmates lack a number of items and there is need for more donations.

The country witnessed grave human rights violations perpetuated by DPP youth cadets when former president the late Bingu wa Mutharika faced criticism from the public over his human rights record and economic management policies.

But one year after DPP led by Peter Mutharika retained political power, the cadets say they are more into charitable activities and have already spent about K6.5 million on charity.

Beneficiaries of the charity activities include Mzuzu Prison, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) in Blantyre, Nkando Health Centre in Mulanje and Nsungwi Market in Lilongwe’s Area 25.