Malawi Parliament security officer beat up photojournalist:Updated
Parliamentary chief security officer Youngson Chilinda on Thursday beat up journalist Thoko Chikondi of Nation Publications Limited (NPL) at the National Assembly.
Chilinda attacked the journalist as she was taking pictures of Consumer Association of Malawi (Cama) executive director John Kapito after he presented the petition to the Speaker.
He suspected the journalist was taking pictures without his consent.
The matter has so far been reported to Lingadzi Police where some of the witnesses have had their statements taken.
The journalist went to Kamuzu Central Hospital for a medical report to be presented to the Police .
According to NPL, the photo-journalist complained of general body pains and internal pains on one of the eyes.
The publication reported that, the camera which apparently seemed to be the target of the assault, has had its lens cover missing but the camera itself is still functional.
Meanwhile, Misa Malawi chapter says it has learnt with great shock about the incident and has since condemned it.
“If this person did not want to be photographed, he could have avoided being in a public place.
“We would like to ask Parliament to rise above the incident and take disciplinary measures against the perpetrator,” said Misa chairperson Anthony Kasunda.
