Mzuzu vendors say won’t take part in demonstrations
Vendors in Mzuzu say they will not take part in the nationwide demonstrations against government organised by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Friday to avoid loss of property and life.
Mzuzu Vendors Association General Secretary, Scrivina Dzonzi said Wednesday during a press briefing that though individual vendors have a constitutional right to participate in the demonstrations, as an association, they are advising them not to take part.
“We are not taking part in the nationwide demonstrations on Friday and we advise all vendors to focus on their businesses,” Dzonzi said.
He said vendors are afraid of a repeat of what happened on July 20, 2011 demonstrations in which some business personnel lost their lives and property.
General Secretary for Taifa Market vendors, Thokozani Mbedza said when such demonstrations become violent, mostly vendors become victims.
She, therefore, suggested that the CSOs should provide an identification mechanism for those that will take part for easy recognition of those with intention to cause violence or steal other people’s property.
The march in Mzuzu is expected to start from Katoto via Mzuzu Clock Tower and High Court Roundabout to Civic offices.
However, the CSOs insist that the demonstrations under the theme, “For how long shall Malawians continue to be taken for granted? Loss of public trust in the current administration: time to reclaim our destiny”, would be peaceful.
Meanwhile, Malawi Police Service (MPS) has warned people intending to commit crime on the sidelines of the demonstrations that police are ready to deal with them in accordance with the law.
“MPS has collected credible intelligence that some unpatriotic Malawians are planning to advance their selfish and criminal interests during the April 27 demonstrations by disguising themselves as demonstrators,” reads a press statement released Wednesday.
The police then assured people that they will provide maximum security to both their lives and property hence no need to live in fear.
Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :
Kikiki. The CSOs had me laughing, mockingly, when I read that this time around their rationale is: “For how long shall Malawians continue to be taken for granted? … ,” The lack of a specific credible target issue this time suggest these guys may not even need a reason to demonstrate in future; they have run out of reasons. More credible evidence that they organize these demos only to please their masters, to be sure. Mzuzu vendors are setting a good example for others: akadye ku chipatala eti, pamene ma CSO dolo’wo akulipidwa tsiku limenero? I follow news of many… Read more »
I am pleased that ordinary and poor Malawians have started to wake up. Its great that they can now connect the dots. Fighting other peoples fights has never taken anybody far. During 1st and 2nd world Wars, many African countries sent their soldiers to fight in wars we never even understood. People died for nothing. It is the same with the demos where CSOs are using the masses to advance their selfish objectives (pocket allowances or funding). If they were serious about fighting for ordinary people, then they would have spent the money of voter and civic education to ensure… Read more »
Who said these demos are for you to participate as vendors? These are for individuals who want to voice there concerns. if i am a vendor and I want to voice my concern I will go as an individual. May be you could have said vendors who support DPP will not take part in demos
These are wise people unlike fools from central and South
They are cowards
This is the way to go Mzuzu Vendors – these so call CSO have already pocketed money into their bank accounts and they want to use innocent people for their benefit … Bravo to you ALL and may God bless you. Let them go for themselves and do the demos.!!!! that’s what they are paid for.
LEAVE THEM ALONE !!
MALAWIANS ARE USED TO
POVERTY AND SUFFERING !!
THAT’S WHY THESE FIELD MARSHALS ARE USING US LIKE
SHIT HOLE !!