Political terror returns
Unidentified group terrorised opposition Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) followers yesterday morning as they assembled to parade in Lilongwe, injuring some and damaging at least seven cars.
Police confirmed the fracas in an interview yesterday, but fell short of naming the group. The DPP alleged that the perpetrators were Malawi Congress Party (MCP) operatives. The ruling party has, however, described the claims as baseless.
“We have information that party followers were attacked and their vehicles destroyed. We are investigating and we will share findings,” Police National spokesperson Peter Kalaya said.
The scene of attack in Area 6, resembled a zone subjected to fatal bombardment. Blood could be seen drying up on the ground, car windscreens and windows severely damaged with stones stuck on some of them.
Some cars “had accessories stolen such as batteries, radios, laptops, computer boxes, tyres and light lamps,” said the parade’s organising chairperson Victor Musowa, DPP parliamentarian for Mulanje Bale.
The lawmaker said he witnessed the attacks
“Three vehicles dropped the thugs in quick succession. They brought machetes, stones and guns. They seemed ready to kill,” he said.
Musowa, who described the chaos as saddening and undemocratic, said they could not immediately establish the number of casualties.
“I took 10 to the hospital, some unconscious, a majority of those injured are women. The most severely injured person has been referred to the Kamuzu Central Hospital,” he said.
The legislator suspected the MCP. He claimed: “One of the videos [that captures the scenes)]shows a few faces from the MCP, but we cannot mention their names.”
Earlier, Nation on Sunday witnessed a group of DPP supporters gathering at Mbowe Filling Station around 9 am. Some youths and women were wearing party regalia.
There were cars being decorated with party cloths in a space that was heavily guarded by bouncers wearing black clothes.
Music blared from a sizable wagon and some followers danced and chanted, attracting motorists and passers-by attention.
From a distance it was difficult to capture the message in the chants. However, Musowa said the parade was planned for several townships, including Mtandire, Area 23 and Area 25.
He said the objective of the parade was to persuade supporters to register and vote in next year’s elections.
In a statement issued yesterday, MCP dismissed accusations that it was behind the attacks and urged the police to do a thorough investigation.
“MCP finds it inappropriate to make baseless accusations or assumptions without evidence.
“It is reckless to assume and throw tantrums suggesting the MCP would tell her youths to attack people dressed in DPP attire,” read the statement signed by national publicity secretary Ezekiel Ching’oma.
MCP suggested the fracas could have been perpetuated by rival sides in the DPP. n
