Malawi Police brutality condemned

Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) expressed anger over the manner in which police used brutal force in administrative capital Lilongwe when they manhandled and beat up an employee of the institution for allegedly taking pictures of the law enforcers on Friday.

The victim, identified as Mayeso Kanyowile, was severely beaten in full view of other employees despite appealing for mercy.

According to published reports Kanyowile also tried to give the phone to the law officers, who were in joint sweeping exercise with the Malawi Defence Force (MDF), to check if there were any pictures of them, but the plea was disregarded.

According to eye witnessed, police checked her phone and found no pictures “but still they accused her of taking pictures and showered insults at her. They beat her up before dragging her out and threw her in a truck.”

MHRC executive secretary Grace Malera, who also witnessed Kanyoliwe’s ordeal, described the law enforcers’ conduct as “abuse of police powers” and a “worst of form of brutality”,

Malera told Nyasa Times: “The conduct of the police us totally unacceptable and against the principles of what should be a reformed police.”

She said MHRC condemn the police brutality “in strongest terms”, saying the commission “will take up the issue with the right authorities.”

Malera said what the police did is a criminal act.