Political violence returns to Karonga Central

Unidentified people assaulted four Malawi Congress Party (MCP) supporters on Saturday evening in Karonga Central Constituency during the announcement of the party’s political rally scheduled for Sunday. 

The incident took place at Mwenilondo Trading Centre in the area.

In an interview, the party’s district chairperson Emmanuel Nkhoma said the four were injured.

“Immediately after the attack, we rushed to Karonga District Hospital for treatment,” he said.

One of the victims, Absalom Banda said he was in great pain following the attack.

Karonga director director of health and social services David Sibale said the four were treated as outpatients.

In a separate interview, Karonga Police Station officer-in-charge Sam Nkhwazi said they are investigating the matter.

He said: “We recorded statements from the victims and we have instituted investigations.

“However, knowing how volatile Karonga Central Constituency is, we have embarked on sensitisation campaign to civic-educate people on the dangers of political violence.”

The incident has ignited fear of violence resurfacing in the constituency ahead of the November 10 by-election.

However, the party went ahead with the rally at Mwenilondo Primary School Ground on Sunday where it unveiled Leonard Mwalwanda as its candidate in the by-election.

Addressing supporters, the party’s vice-president (North) Harry Mkandawire condemned the incident.

“In a democracy, let everyone campaign freely everywhere because at the end of the day, it is the electorates who decide who to vote for depending on facts on the ground,” he said.

Mkandawire also used the political rally to urge people to register in large numbers to vote in the by-election.

The seat fell vacant two months ago following the death of Cornelius Mwalwanda (MCP).