DPP wooing protestors with money: Malawi ‘coup plotters’ bail hearing set

Opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), whose presidential aspirant Prof. Peter Mutharika was arrested Monday is going around townships in the capital city  Lilongwe wooing people to go and attend ‘protests’, Nyasa Times has established.

DPP branded vehicles and other cars were seen by eye witnesses driving around in the evening of Tuesday announcing to residents that the party will provide transportation to all that want to go and be part and parcel of the group of ‘protestants’.

“Come one come all, come and be with us and meet at the same place. We have T-shirts and wrappers ready for you,” touts the party going around Areas 23, 22, 24 and Biwi, among other townships.

The DPP, revealed one resident, is also promising to give each person that attends a K2,000 on top of the T-shirt and wrapper.

A protest held by DPP supporters in Zomba on Tuesday
A protest held by DPP supporters in Zomba on Tuesday

On Monday a truck and three DPP branded pickups were seen driving around dropping and picking groups of ‘rough-necks’ who blocked the road at the Area 10/Area18A traffic robots in the capital city, Lilongwe.

They chanted anti-government and derogatory songs against President Joyce Banda and her leadership.

Mutharika — the brother of the late leader and his heir apparent — was charged with perjury and soliciting to break the law, his assistant Ben Phiri said.

There is a likelihood the suspects will also face the more serious charge of treason, which could carry the death sentence.

Meanwhile, a bail hearing will be held on Thursday

“The courts have set Thursday for the hearing of the case, because police are still investigating some aspects of the case,” Information Minister Moses Kunkuyu confirmed.

On Tuesday, two of the alleged coup plotters — Gondwe and ex-health minister Jean Kalilani — were being treated for hypertension in hospital, lead defence lawyer Kalekeni Kaphale.

The remaining suspects including former information minister Patrica Kaliati were “in good health and spirits.”

A protest held by DPP supporters in Zomba on Tuesday
A protest held by DPP supporters in Zomba on Tuesday

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