Malawi Police attack Zodiak journalists as they cover Mzuzu City Council flush vendors off the streets
The Malawi Police Service is, once again, on the spot for assaulting and injuring journalists at work — two Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) reporters were attacked by a group of police officers in Mzuzu on Friday.
The police officers behaving like hired goons, attacked Musase Cheyo and Towera Kumwenda – both from Zodiak – who were covering a joint sweep by Mzuzu City Council (MCC) rangers and police to flush vendors off the streets after they defied a June 15 deadline.
“While taking the footage, the police approached us and we told them that we are journalists. They appeared not convinced and started beating us before taking us to police station,” Cheyo said.
The two were shocked when police struck with brute force.
The journalists had to be referred to Mzuzu Health Centre (MHC) for treatment after one of the ugliest scenes of media attacks in the recent past.
“It is very sad that this is happening to the media in this country,” said Cheyo, who suffered swollen left eye.
Cheyo also complained of severe pain in the chest, ribs, hip-joint and legs.
Kumwenda condemned police conduct terming it “unfortunate”.
The journalists said they had obtained permission from Northern Region Police public relations officer Peter Kalaya to cover the exercise; and had explained the same to their assailants.
Nyika Media Club Chairperson Mandy Pondani has condemned the attack and has asked police authorities to investigate the matter and bring the culprits to book.
“It is worrisome that the work environment is becoming extremely hostile for the media in Malawi, authorities should step in and help in safeguarding press freedom,” she said
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The Police should be sympathetic to people that are just trying to feed their families. These vendors have run out options and stealing/crime isn’t an option for them, unlike some of the politicians. These are very honest people whose ethics, morality are intact unlike some of the Crow Sunni g big companies who wouldn’t blink to steal. The last thing the Police is beat them up. Focus on arresting those who are stealing billions of Kwachas from govt coffers.
Anthuwa sia police koma ndi makadet Wa police. Ndimamudziwa sangapange. Zopusazo koma poti awa anangowauza samba undipeze ndiye ndiamenewa
The dressing is ok. Nothing wrong but I note that they are in a state of shock and humiliated. These are our sons and daughters. They deserve better.
Apolosi akwathu
Grossly exaggerated. Are these people who were beaten? Our so-called jounalists are pathetic!
Who doesn’t know that our police are enjoying swimming in their pool of ignorance?
They were just picked based on who painted himself well among those cadets, and sent them to training on who can hold a panga and chigogodela bwino NOT discipline. No wonder these are the fruits
Back to the days of YOUTH LEAGUE and MYP.Dictatorship is back in our country let us wake up we Malawians
MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT YOU CAN NOW WHAT WILL BE HAPPENING WHEN YOU WILL MAKE A MISTAKE OF CONFIRMING ACTING IG JOSE,TEARGAS ON BT,THE FOLLOWNG DAY JOURNALIST ATTACKED,IN AN ACTING CAPACITY WHAT MORE AFTER BEING CONFIRMED.MUZAKUWAAAAA
The journalist is complaining of chest pains, ribs, hip joint, legs etc. Matenda enawa ndi akaletu awa. Popeza golosale ikapsya sipakhala stock take; all shortages are attributed to the fire!!!!
police need to be taken to task over otherwise it’s been a long time since they started taking Malawians for granted. a Mabungwe tiyeni nazo otherwise satengapo phunziro