EU seeks justice over police sexual violence: Demands ‘swift and decisive’ action
European Union (EU) mission in the country have noted with concern the report by Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) says it has established that police officers raped 13 women, defiled one girl and sexually assaulted three under-18 girls in an October 8 operation around Msundwe on the outskirts of Lilongwe City and wants the matter to reach its logical conclusion.
MHRC said its investigation established that the police officers raped the women as they fled violent scenes.
In the statement, EU calls for “swift and decisive” action by authorities while providing urgently all the necessary full support to the victims of sexual violence.
The EU has reiterated its strong partnership with the Malawi Government and other stakeholders to end sexual and gender-based violence notably through the Spotlight partnership it has with the United Nations (UN) and said it stands ready to assist.
Reads the statement in part: “The EU continues to stand ready to provide further support through its ongoing governance programmes in Malawi.”
In an investigation report commissioners Martha Chizuma (who is also the Ombudsman) and Mary Kanyuka said there were almost 100 police officers deployed in three teams stationed at M’mbwatalika, Msundwe and Mpingu trading centres along the Lilongwe-Mchinji Road, with others roving in communities where they allegedly tear-gassed people to displace them.
“In the course of their operations of clearing the road, controlling the crowds and making arrests, some police officers ventured into the villages and nearby locations throwing tear gas into houses, beating [people] and breaking into houses.
“As a result, most people, especially men and the youth, fled their village to their gardens, leaving the villages deserted. Some of the women who were left in the villages as others fled or arrived in the village while others fled met police officers who violently beat them, raped and indecently assaulted them, ” reads the report/
The report further exposed that the incidents happened in Mpingu where eight of the 17 survivors were sexually assaulted and raped while the remaining met their predicaments in M’bwatalika.
MHRC has recommended that the acting Inspector General of Police Duncain Mwapasa should institute criminal investigations into the matter and that the probe should target police officers deployed in Mpingu and M’bwatalika on the day.
The officers were led by superintendents Kantchowa, Chisale and Msukwa and Inspector Chipofya (all presented without their first names in the report.)
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Tisakgaleso ndi polisi ku Malawi. Tiyambeso 1. Chotsani ose anyapapi tiekepo mafana. MPS is a chain of nyunsensi, it’s a chain.. what i mean is kunena kuti mwalephera mxiiiiiii
Is there physical evidence? Or is the EU just playing politics because one of their people was asked to leave Malawi?
But this government is completely inept, this could easily end up in the Hague and even with sanctions if not handled properly. Policemen have allegedly committed a crime in broad daylight, the whole world has heard about it! So what are you idiots and the idiot in chief pussyfooting about? Just investigate the matter and convict the guilty! Unless you are afraid that the constables will say they were following orders from above. Tell Nero to stop fiddling, Rome is burning. He must wake up fast or resign! This is a classic example of Leadership Crisis, the old man has… Read more »
He who comes to equity must come with clean hands – the people of Nsundwe do not have clean hands.
I have said it before. The British government has used millions of British taxpayers money to assist Malawi to transform it’s police service. It is clear now the money has been wasted as what we have now is a Deformed Police Service. I suppose having brexited, Johnston will not be able to pressure EU to review it’s aid to Malawi as long as our police continues to be DPP’S tool for brutalising citizens. The Msundwe, Mpingu, Mbwatalika rapes incident is very serious such that, elsewhere, a leader worthy his title would have strongly condemned the acts and ordered severe disciplinary… Read more »
I totally agree with everything you say. Our police service is not fit for purpose and neither is our President…
Seodi White Kamatcheni mesa mumakhuzika ndi za ufulu wa Mayi? Tidziti mzimayi kwa inu ndi Jane Ansa basi
Duncan Mwapesa. He is one of big fools in this Cpuntry! He is not suit for that position, the guys like Mwapesa they must go back to their village continue looking after their Bananas. I wonder why DPP goverment still keep this idiot without school.
Look at your qualifications and mental integrity before you speak. Fools like you don’t even know what is like holding any position in the government and you go out talking trash as if you have made it in life, i feel pity honestly for stupid people like you with big mouths and empty heads
CADET MWAPASA BWANJINSO?
Useless government mxieem
Well its rely bad, that our police officers could go so low as to rape women and girls like this, Msundwe people were also wrong to be violent as they killed a police officer in cold blood. But Its their duty he died on duty due to poor leadership in the country and these women paid the price for being raped. But I can assure the E.U and everybody that nothing will happen as long as DPP and Mwapasa are in there. These dpp leadership will do everything possible to cover and hide its cadets. Sorry E.U this is Nyasaland.