Activist Sylvester Namiwa yesterday filed a formal complaint at Area 3 police station in Lilongwe following a violent assault he suffered on Thursday during protests in the Capital City.
Namiwa was attacked by panga-wielding assailants in full view of police and Malawi Defence Force (MDF). He sustained deep lacerations at his back and head, as well as a severely swollen hand.
In an interview yesterday, Namiwa who said he was treated as an outpatient at an undisclosed health facility said he provided investigators with a detailed account describing how he and fellow protesters were ambushed and forced to flee for their lives.
Said Namiwa: “I am in great pain but my biggest pain is that this assault happened in full view of MDF and police officers who are mandated by the Constitution to protect citizens. I am not demoralised and will not relent to fight for Malawians.”
He, however, declined to provide specific details on his escape, saying he would address the media later.
The gang, armed with pangas and other weapons, torched vehicles, stole a public address system and assaulted several protest organisers.
National Police spokesperson Peter Kalaya confirmed receiving Namiwa’s statement and said that another individual, whose vehicle was vandalised during the clashes, also reported the incident.
He said: “We also know that another vehicle was destroyed but the owner hasn’t yet reported the incident. We are calling upon those who are aggrieved to report these cases to police.”
Kalaya also countered claims that police took no action, arguing that law-enforcers’ intervention likely prevented Namiwa’s death.
The gang violently disrupted demonstrations organised by Citizens for Credible Elections, aimed at pressuring Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja and chief elections officer Andrew Mpesi to resign. Lilongwe District Council had previously sanctioned the protest, assuring organisers of police security
