Six suspects have appeared before the Principal Resident Magistrate’s Court in Lilongwe in connection with the brutal attack on activist Sylvester Namiwa and the hacking of civil servants by panga-wielding thugs during demonstrations.
According to a statement from the Malawi Police Service (MPS), the suspects were arrested and charged with various offences, including grievous harm, malicious damage, theft and robbery.
The police said the charges relate to incidents that occurred during violent demonstrations linked to the Namiwa case and other attacks in Lilongwe and Salima.
Those arrested include Alfred Dalla Kadula (43) of Batulen Village, Joseph Tilibe Gidien (50) of Sadya Village, Lameck Mandowa (42) of Yoyola Village, Lester Hanleck Aaron Kanjunga (38) of Zidana Village, Haward Hamuza (27) of Dothi Village and Mabvuto Njuchi (27) of Ngozi Village.
The MPS said the suspects are facing charges for incidents that left several people injured, including Namiwa and caused significant property damage.
During the fracas, a minibus was torched, and several demonstrators lost personal property such as mobile phones and speakers.
Meanwhile, security commentator Chimwemwe Ntchindi Mhango has hailed the arrests, describing them as “a strong message” to perpetrators of political violence.
“This development sends a clear warning to would-be offenders that no one is above the law,” Mhango said.
He adds: “I am not trying to prosecute or judge them, they are still suspects and deserve a fair trial. I am just pleased, like most Malawians, that the police have taken action.”
“This is also a strong reminder to the youth that governments change, and they may not always enjoy the cosmetic immunity extended to them by the incumbent regimes.”
Mhango, former military officer, added that the violent attacks—allegedly perpetrated during the period of the Malawi Congress Party-led administration—left a dark mark on the nation’s democratic space.
“The Namiwa incident and similar attacks shook public confidence in peaceful demonstrations. This progress by the police is a step toward restoring accountability and the rule of law,” he said.
The MPS has since appealed to the public to remain calm and allow due process to take its course as investigations and prosecutions continue.
