Malawi Police probe doctors who sought to examine Mutharika in cell

The Malawi Police Service has opened investigations into allegations that doctors were sent to examine and treat President Peter Mutharika, then an opposition leader, when he was locked up at Lumbadzi Police Cell in Lilongwe.

The DPP leader claimed the doctors services were not sought.

Nyasa Times has learnt and confirmed that a number of people have already been interviewed since two weeks ago on the episode which happened when Mutharika and others were arrested on treasons allegations whose case got discontinued after Mutharika won power last year.

It is alleged that on a second night of his incarceration in 2012, Mutharika learnt that government, then, had sent doctors to examine him at the police cell even as he had not requested for the same.

He refused to meet them, saying he was not in need of any medical help.

“This is what is being probed,” said a source close to the investigations within the Malawi Police Service who sought anonymity because he is not authorized to speak on such matters.

“It is just about establishing a few issues: who sent these doctors? Were they indeed doctors? Where did they come from? Who told them the inmates at the police cell needed medical attention? Did they receive any request from those they sought to examine,” added the source.

“The findings will determine the next course of action,” the source said.

The Malawi Police Service declined to comment on the matter, saying they were not familiar with the details of the alleged investigation.

There is general suspicion among the Mutharika sympathizers that the alleged doctor’s visit was motivated by ulterior motives.

President Mutharika said he signed an affidavit with Inspector General of Police on the matter which he said will be produced at “an appropriate time”.