Thyolo DC fears more violence during campaign period

Thyolo district commissioner Bennet Nkasala says the violence that claimed two lives during  President Joyce Banda’s rally at Goliati is a clear warning that the May 20 Tripartite Elections official campaign which starts this Friday could trigger more violence in the district.

A police officer senior superintendent Julius Jailosi was hacked to death by suspected Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) supporters after the officer shot dead Aaron Sawerengera amid the fracas.

Speaking in an interview, Nkasala said authorities in the district will need to double their efforts to curb further violence as the country heads towards elections.

“This is a warning that worse things could happen during the campaign period. We need to restrategise to curb electoral violence here,” he said.

Nkasala, who is also the chairperson of the Multiparty Liaison Committee, a group that ensures coexistence among political parties in the district, said they will meet political leaders to conduct a post-mortem on the Goliati incident.

“We regret what happened at Goliati and we do not want a repeat.

“The committee includes the police, political leaders and traditional leaders, so we believe that together we will come up with better solutions to the troubles we are facing.”

Meanwhile, Senior Chief Chimaliro dismissed media reports that his house was torched.

“I have heard the reports, but that is not true. I am safe and so is my house,” he said.