Police search homes of detained activists, no bail
Security forces on Saturday searched homes of members of Forum for the Defence of Democracy (FDD) who was arrested on Friday.
Police arrested FDD’s Billy Mayaya, Ben Chiza Mkandawire, Brian Nyasulu and lawyer Habiba Osman who carried placards and read out a statement calling on President Bingu wa Mutharika to call for a referendum on holding early elections and demanding Police Inspector General Peter Mukhito to resign to pave way for investigation into his role in the murder of university student Robert Chasowa.
The activists have not been charged of any offence, according to lawyer Wapona Kitta.
But police took them to their homes for searching, apparently looking for implicating evidence.
“Police have been to their homes for a thorough search but still, they haven’t come up with a case against them,” lawyer Kita said through his Facebook page.
“All of them are in good health and appear as innocent as may be you and I for any offence,” he added.
“The grapevine has it that they want to charge them with sedition,” the lawyer added.
The activists demand Police chief Mukhito to step down as he is implicated in the murder of university student Robert Chasowa.
“We call for the immediate resignation of the Inspector General of the Malawi Police Service Mr. Peter Mukhito as well as the southern region police Commissioner Mr. Rodney Jose for their alleged involvement in the demise of Chasowa. We also demand for an extensive explication of the role of the Minister of Home Affairs in the same issue,” the activists demanded.
The Public Affairs Committee, an umbrella group of Christian and Muslim activists
in Malawi, has since condiment the detention of the activist for exercising their right to protest peacefully.
PAC spokesman Reverend Maurice Munthali said the faith group condemn in “strongest terms” the “intolerant character” displayed by the Mutharika police.
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