Non Catholics behind church brawl: Malawi Police arrest 15

It has emerged that some non-Catholics were behind the plot to have a fight at Likuni Parish in the Capital City Lilongwe with ulterior motive to dent the influential church’s image after its scathing pastoral letter recently, Nyasa Times understands.

The plot to have the fight was hatched by some regime thugs who promised some choir members that they will be shielded from police arrests or prosecution.

One of the choir members told Nyasa Times, that he was approached by non- Catholic members who he recognises to be connected to governing party, to propose that the choir split and that if others disagree, should cause a fight. Money was promised for this action.

The member was too frightened to reveal more, saying the people behind were “powerful” and “well connected” to the state apparatus.

On Sunday a fight indeed erupted among Catholic Christians Likuni Parish in the Capital City.

Police in Lilongwe have since arrested 15 people whom the law enforcers say are ring leaders in the violence that erupted.

Lilongwe police spokesman Kingsley Dandaula confirmed the arrest of the 15 and they were remanded at Lilongwe Police Station.

“They have been charged with conduct likely to cause breach of peace and they will be appearing in court on Monday,” Dandaula said.

He said it will be up to the suspects to apply for bail when they appear in court.

The police were called in at the parish after a fight broke out following disagreements.

The Lilongwe Diocese officials are yet to comment on the matter.

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