Blantyre City South East legislator Sameer Suleman (Democratic Progressive Party-DPP) has warned police officers to refrain from being used by politicians because the conduct could compromise their job, especially where the ruling elite changes.
Speaking to predominantly DPP supporters after the Blantyre Magistrate’s Court released him on bail after spending a night at Blantyre Police Station, he said as the September 16 General Election draws closer, Malawians will witness more arrests aimed at intimidating opposition political party leaders.
Said Suleman: “I want to tell our friends from police, don’t allow to be used. This government is already gone. You [police officers] should be rejecting some of the directives because tomorrow, the positions they are holding now, will be occupied by us..”
Suleman’s release on bail followed an oral application by his lawyer Bob Chimkango who argued that his client is law abiding citizen who handed himself in to police after hearing reports of his warrant of arrest.
But in its submission, the State through South West Region Police prosecutions officer Damiano Kaputa asked the court to allow the suspect spend seven more days in custody to allow officers complete their investigations.
In his ruling, senior resident magistrate Andrew Mmanga granted Suleman bail on condition that he paid K500 000 cash bond and to produce one traceable surety with non-cash bond of K2 million. Suleman is also required to report to South West Region Police headquarters once every month.
The magistrate also ordered Suleman to surrender his travel documents to the court.
Notable politicians present included DPP secretary general Peter Mukhito, former Cabinet ministers Newton Kambala, Charles Mchacha, Mary Navicha, Chipiliro Mpinganjira and Grace Kwelepeta.
Addressing the gathering, Navicha said if the unity people demonstrated during Suleman’s arrest continues, it will be easier for DPP to return to power.
Suleman handed himself in to the police on Monday following a warrant of arrest issued against him.
He is answering a libel charge and accused of posting a statement on social media platform allegedly defaming Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Richard Chimwendo Banda, Minister of Mining Ken Zikhale N’goma and Lilongwe South East legislator Steven Baba Malondera.
