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.

Zodiak journalists Kumwenda (left)  and Cheyo attacked in the line of duty

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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#DzukaniAmalawi
#DzukaniAmalawi
5 years ago

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.

Angoni
Angoni
5 years ago

Anthuwa sia police koma ndi makadet Wa police. Ndimamudziwa sangapange. Zopusazo koma poti awa anangowauza samba undipeze ndiye ndiamenewa

Ken phiri
Ken phiri
5 years ago

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.

Namachende
5 years ago

Apolosi akwathu

Bandawe.
Bandawe.
5 years ago

Grossly exaggerated. Are these people who were beaten? Our so-called jounalists are pathetic!

c chimbatata
c chimbatata
5 years ago

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

LEGO
5 years ago

Back to the days of YOUTH LEAGUE and MYP.Dictatorship is back in our country let us wake up we Malawians

Fact
Fact
5 years ago

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

Mesimadzi
Mesimadzi
5 years ago

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!!!!

Maxwell mwapwesela
5 years ago

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

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