DPP politburo strategizes against demos
By Evelyn Chibwe, Nyasa Times
Some senior members of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) politburo are reported to have met on Thursday and Friday in Blantyre to strategize on how they could counter the planned 17 August mass protests.
Individuals that attended the meeting included those that sponsored the panga-wielding DPP cadres that terrorized Blantyre on July 19.
A source close to the meetings, which was held at Blantyre Civic Centre revealed that the members agreed to hire thugs to vandalize property of civil rights activists associated with the planning of the demonstrations, apposition and religious leaders supporting the mass protests.
The meeting singled out Leader of Opposition in Parliament and president of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) John Tembo, MCP spokesperson Nancy Tembo, PDM General Secretary Hary Mkandawire, Livingstonia Synod General Secretary Levi Nyondo and other leaders such as Hophmally Makande, Humphrey Mvula, Friday Jumbe, Kamuzu Chibambo, Rafiq Hajat, Vice President Joyce Banda, Dr. Cassim Chilumpha, Undule Mwakasungula, John Kapito, among others as main targets.
“They agreed to hire thugs to vandalize property belonging to these leaders and some belonging to government, including beating up innocent people in the streets in order to justify claims that the demonstrations are a danger to people’s lives and property,” said the source.
The source further said former Head of State Dr. Bakili Muluzi’s property and that of other leaders would be targeted for vandalism as reprisal.
“The plan is that police will do nothing about it because the IG (Peter Mukhito) is part the big plan,” the source added.
The DPP cadets have been told to do their war chant: ‘Onyoza a Bingu sagona timpweteka’ (‘Those who insult Bingu won’t sleep; we’ll harm them’
DPP spokesman Hetherwick Ntaba refused to comment on the issue.
Malawians will take to the street on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 to protest against worsening economic, political and governance situation in Malawi. The demonstrations are being championed by a coalition of civil society organizations.
According to organizers of the fresh demonstrations have indicated that this time round they will take a form of a vigil where candles will be lit to avoid confrontation with the police as was the case on July 20 where at least 19 people were killed.
