Journalists appear before Bingu death inquiry

Three journalists on Wednesday appeared before a Commission of Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of late president Bingu wa Mutharika.

Mutharika died on April 5 2012, after suffering a cardiac arrest, but an official announcement was made two days later, prompting widespread speculation on his death.

The journalists, Emmanuel Chibwana and Norman Fulatira from privately owned Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) and Golden Matonga from Blantyre Newspapers Limited faced the Justice Elton Singini-led commission at the Ufulu Gardens in the morning.

“I was among the journalists who appeared before the commission. However, I cannot give you details of what transpired because I, just like all other witnesses, took an oath of secrecy. Therefore, I cannot tell the questions or the answers I provided to commissioners. However, I must say the atmosphere was not intimidatory at all,” said Chibwana.

There are indications that several journalists may appear before the commission which President Joyce Banda established soon after she took over the reins of power.