Police shield officer involved in death of Blantyre man

The Malawi Police Service is shielding one of its officers who allegedly shot dead a 20-year-old man in Blantyre two weeks ago.

Ironically, regardless of the circumstances, the same police last week arrested a Blantyre-based businessman-cum-politician Ali Saidi Chinamba, popularly known as Ali Kaka, also for shooting dead a 20-year-old man in Manja Township.

But while describing the police action as atrocious, a human rights advocate has asked the law enforcers to exercise professionalism when handling delicate issues that involve human lives.

For two weeks now, police have been playing hide and in giving details of the matter but The Nation has established that the police officer in question (name withheld), is working normally at his base, Kanjedza Police Training School (PTS), in Limbe, Blantyre.

When contacted, Southern Region Police spokesperson Nicholas Gondwa confirmed the incident, but referred The Nation to deputy spokesperson at the National Police headquarters, Mable Msefula.

But Msefula, who also validated the shooting, asked for a questionnaire which she has not responded to for two weeks now.

When reminded, Msefula has repeatedly said she was still searching for information.

“I am still trying to get information on the matter. I don’t want to give you half-truths so bear with me,” Msefula has been assuring The Nation.

The alleged police officer opened fire at the young man, who was working as an assistant driver, killing him on the spot and seriously injuring his friend.

The deceased, Afiki Akimu, was a resident of Chirimba Township and was laid to rest at his home village Liwiga, Sub T/A Namavi in Mangochi District on July 30 2014.

The survivor, identified as Richard Chambakata, also a Chirimba resident, is currently battling for life in Ward 5A at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) in Blantyre.

He was reportedly shot in the head and has not been able to speak since then.

According to Akimu’s close friends and family members, the incident occurred around 6am on July 29 2014 at Maleule Railway Station in Lirangwe.

The two victims were in a company of workmates who were transporting charcoal from Lisungwi (Mwanza) to Blantyre when they met their fate.

Family members said Akimu’s shooting ensued a row between forestry rangers, police and his faction.

“The forestry rangers were patrolling the area in the company of police officers when they saw the truck filled with charcoal.

“In the course of discussions a disagreement ensued and one police officer triggered the bullets that hit the two. Immediately after the shooting, the police and forestry rangers jumped into their waiting vehicle, leaving behind the two in a pool of blood,” a family member told The Nation in an interview.

Malawi Watch executive director Billy Banda described the action as a criminal offence, wondering why the police officer was left scot-free.

“Police should use live bullets sparingly,” said Banda.