Journalist Brian Banda receives death threats
Capital FM Straight Talk programme host, Brian Banda, has claimed he is living dangerously after receiving death threats.
Banda said he receive a death threatening text on his mobile phone, warning him that he will die if he continue to be critical of government and President Bingu wa Mutharika.
The message said he is likely to follow Robert Chasowa, a pro –democracy student activist who was murdered by regime thugs.
He reported the matter to Blantyre Police Station.
“I reported the matter to Blantyre police and they have said they will investigate,” Banda told Nyasa Times.
“I don’t take the threats lightly,” he added.
Banda is known for his no-holds barred interviewing on his Straight Talk programme. He has however been hailed by many politicians including senior government officials on the programme for being “professional” and “balanced”.
He is an award winning journalist for the programme which is one of the most popular in the country.
Banda last Tuesday too to task presidential spokesman Hetherwick Ntaba on various issues from governance concerns, human rights, economic mismanagement and probed on demands by civil society organisation on President Mutharika’s sudden wealth.
The threats to Banda come after Radio Maria reporter, a former MIJ reporter and Nation Publications Ltd also received similar death threats.
The Media Institute of Southern Africa (Misa) Malawi Chapter has condemned death threats on journalists.
“MISA Malawi continues to be disturbed by the threats directed at media practitioners,” chairperson of Misa Malawi Anthony Kasunda said when contacted by Nyasa Times.
“As MISA Malawi, we strongly condemn these barbaric and retrogressive acts. This is a democratic country in which the media plays a watchdog role. People in public positions should learn to accept criticism and they should know that they hold such positions on trust from people,” he said.
Misa Malawi called on Police to investigate the threats “thoroughly and bring such cowards to book.”
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