UTM Nkhotakota office vandalised after rebranding

The United Transformation Movement (UTM) had a rude awakening after unknown thugs damaged its office building in Nkhotakota in the early hours of Saturday.

The incident came barely days after the movement moved into the building previously rented by Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) at Nkhotakota Boma.

UTM Nkhotakota district governor Leonard Chaunga confirmed the incident, saying the matter had been reported to police.

He accused DPP of masterminding the attack, claiming the governing party lodged a complaint at the police that UTM had invaded their office.

But Nkhotakota Police Station spokesperson Williams Kaponda said police were yet to receive an official complaint from the aggrieved parties.

He said: “We have not received any official complaint from UTM. So until we get it, we cannot start investigations.”

On the other hand, DPP Nkhotakota Urban district governor Anthony Manyamba said he was not aware of the incident.

UTM senior member  and Mulanje South legislator Bon Kalindo confirmed occupancy of the building following an agreement with the property owner.

On Friday, UTM members in Nkhotakota were seen removing a DPP flag and colours from the contested building and subsequently rebranded the structure in the afternoon.

Last month, two UTM vehicles were torched in Mangochi ahead of the movement’s Eastern Region launch of the movement at St Augustine 2 Primary School.