Police arrest three KIA staff over strike
Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) Police have arrested three people in connection with the strike of aviation staff on Monday this week.
Both KIA commandant Dicksy Kwataine and Civil Aviation Union (CAU) general secretary Ted Chunga confirmed the arrest of the three in an interview yesterday.
The three, Tamandani Silwamba, who works in the Fire Brigade Department, Grant Sanudi and Charles Kamanga of Air Traffic Department, were arrested on Tuesday by KIA Police.
“It is true our colleagues were arrested on Tuesday and were released around 8pm the same day on bail. They were charged with conduct likely to cause breach of peace. For us, we view this as pure intimidation because the strike was conducted peacefully,” said Chunda.
KIA Police officer in Charge Milepa also confirmed the arrest. However, he could not indicate when the three will appear in court.
On his part, Kwataine said he is aware of the issue, but could not say what action he is going to take on the issue.
“I am aware of the arrest but I can’t tell you what we are going to do as I am involved in a meeting,” he said.
Chunda claims that he too has received verbal communication from his superiors that they are transferring him for his role in the sit-in.
“I got a call on first September that I will be getting a letter of transfer. I am yet to receive the letter. I do not have a position on this issue as I have referred it to the Civil Servants Trade Union (CSTU) which is handling the matter,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chunda said the sit-in has been called-off as government is processing payment.
The staff are demanding K20 million as allowances incurred during the 33rd Sadc Summit.
