Malawi sports journo Kanjere drops assault charges against coach Mpulula
Nation Publications Limited (NPL) sports journalist, Peter Kanjere on Thursday withdrew criminal charges against Azam Tigers FC coach, Leo Mpulula after the two opted to settle the matter out of court.
Kanjere, two weeks ago reported Mpulula to Blantyre Police for slapping him on the face following following an article the reporter is alleged to have written headlined “Leo I don’t miss your voice” published in Nation on Sunday’s ‘Sunday Shot’ column of December 23, 2012.
This followed a self-imposed media blackout the coach issued on all media institutions citing unfair reporting of his team’s recent sluggish performance.
The Police later arrested and charged the outspoken coach with assault and conduct likely to cause breach of peace. The charges have been dropped after legal counsels for both parties agreed to settle the issue out of court.
“Indeed the case has been closed following a request by the complainant to have the charges withdrawn against Mr. Mpulula,” Blantyre Police Public Relations Officer, Lameck Thembachak confirmed to Nyasa Times.
Mpulula’s lawyer, Chance Gondwe said the charges, which are criminal in nature have been withdrawn unconditionally.
“I understand the agreement to have the issue settled out of court was reached by lawyers of both sides privately,” Gondwe told Nyasa Times.
In an interview, Kanjere refused to comment on the issue, saying “I would rather remain silent on the issue. I don’t want to comment anything. I have decided to take low profile on that matter”.
