DPP officials implicated in Mzuzu violence: Malawi Police delay in taking suspects to court

Suspects being held by Police in  connection to the violence that erupted last week at a solidarity rally Malawi Congress Party (MCP) president Lazarus Chakwera held in Mzuzu city are reported to have implicate senior officials of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

According to press reports, Police have delayed to take the suspects to court following revelations that some DPP officials organised and sponsored the violence.

The top government officials are said to be interfering with police investigations so that they are shielded.

“There are top DPP officials who took advantage of PP’s situation (infighting) and masterminded the Chibavi violence,” The Daily Times newspaper on Monday quoted a source in the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

The source said investigations are “clear” on DPP officials’ role in masterminding the violence but that Police officers fear for their jobs hence being manipulated on how to handle the case.

DPP has denied its involvement in the violence.

But opposition maintain that the ruling party is to blame for the political violence in the country.

Rumphi East MP, Kamlepo Kalua charged that the DPP is not fit to rule the nation as the party is led by violent individuals and accommodates cadres who engage in violence.

Five suspected arrested involved with the violence are: Thembisire Nkosi, 32 from Nkosi village, Traditional Authority Nthwalo in Mzimba; George Mwamtobe, 38, from Mwangukulu Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Kilipula in Karonga; Lumbani Munthali, 29, from Matupi Village, T/A Chikulamayembe, Rumphi; Clive Nthakomwa, 52, of Malema Village, T/A Kyungu in Karonga; and, Frank Simwaka Kashololo, 30, from Kashololo Village, T/A Mwenewenya in Chitipa.

Mzimba West MP (PP) Harry Mkandawire who attended the rally, was forewarned by Mzomera Ngwira not attend because there was going to be violence.

Police are yet to question Mzomera on his role to the violence.