Deputy speaker Chiwaya called ‘witch’: Malawi Police arrest woman over remarks

A woman in Mangochi risks a jail term after she called second deputy speaker of parliament Cement Chiwaya a ‘witch’ following a heated argument between the two over a piece of land.

Mangochi police spokesperson Rodrick Maida confirmed law enforcers arrested Sunganani Kampira after a complaint from Chiwaya, who is also Member of Parliament for Mangochi central and United Democratic Front (UDF) executive member.

“This happened at Michesi in Mangochi where Honourable Chiwaya is constructing a filling station. The woman claimed Honourable Chiwaya has grabbed her land and called him all sorts of names including a witch.

“There was a heated argument between the two and Honourable Chiwaya made a formal complaint to the police upon whom the woman was arrested,” said Maida.

He said the police have since charged her with three of offences of calling another person a witch; conduct likely to cause breach of peace and defamation.

Maida said Kampira has since pleaded not guilty to the charges at Mangochi magistrate’s court.

He said the case has since been adjourned to February 8, 2016.

Kampira hails from Michesi village in chief Mpondasi area in Mangochi. Chiwaya is one of the powerful and influential political leaders in Mangochi.