Speaker calls for Police IG’s head on political violence
Speaker of Parliament Richard Msowoya has asked Malawi Police Service (MPS) Inspector General (IG) Rodney Jose to consider resgining for allegedly allowing partisan politics and tolerating political violence.
The Speaker said at a news conference on violence against women during the campaign period organised by the Parliamentary Women Caucus that Police chief should ensure arrest of all perpetrators of the recent political violence.
“We demand that arrests be made forthwith and ensure that the cases are concluded. We want to see the perpetrators behind bars upon satisfying all legal channels and proceedings,” said Msowoya who was flanked by chairperson for the Women’s Caucus in Parliament, Jessie Kabwila and leader of opposition in Parliament Lazarus Chakwera.
The Speaker added:“We demand protection of all citizens of Malawi. We note that the violence is not only happening to women but even men too.
“If you cannot protect us as citizens then please resign and let others who can exercise the mandate of the Malawi Police Service to serve the interests of all Malawians [take up the position].”
Since the beginning of this year, suspected DPP cadets have assaulted UTM Party director of youth Bon Kalindo in Mulanje, harassed and forced party supporters to undress in Mangochi at the weekend, and beat up Malawi Congress Party (MCP) supporter Edward Govati in Blantyre.
The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) also demanded Jose’s resignation as Malawi police chief.
The HRDC chairperson Timothy Mtambo and his deputy Gift Trapence accuses the police boss of failing to provide decisive leadership in addressing political violence that is becoming more pronounced as Malawi heads towards the May 21 Tripartite Elections.
The activists expressed dismay at how the Police has taken a laissez faire approach in dealing with political violence, especially when the victims belong to opposition parties.
Should the Police IG not step down, Trapence said in an interview that they will hold demonstrations in March over the matter and other socio-political and economic issues affecting the country.
But Jose said he felt concerned with cases of violence, and that MPS was dealing with the problem.
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Did Msowoya resign when he ditched MCP for U TM.Who called him when you failed 50+1 bill?You were in forefront to fail it.
Jose, like his boss APM, is useless. Both receive salaries for doing nothing but sleeping. By the way IG, where are we with Chasowa and Njauju cases? Remember, “mlandu suwola”. Come what may, these cases will be sorted out later this year.
In all fairness, Chakwera and Kabwila did not support Jose appointment. Mchacha and Dausi among the many zombies, Kalua included, supported the motion.
Jose ma free advise jst resign u r not deserve to b IG that’s not DPP police service plse
Is it not the same parliamentarians who approved Jose’s appointment when most Malawians were against the same?
True but you forgot finish your sentence DPP and UDF MPs are the ones that voted to approve him
Yes I G should resign. Lets kick DPP out and we start a fresh.
Police should be independent so is the ACB which is now CORRUPTION BUREAU.
Once upon a time, Msowoya was the VP to Chakwera. Kabwira was the die hard for Msowoya. Chakwera kicked Msowoya and opted for Mia. Msowoya later joined UTM while Kabwila reconciled with MCP for her parliamentary seat. Chakwera never forgot how Kabwila and Msowoya had troubled MCP in court cases and found yet another way of firing her. Later MCP rejected Kabwila the party ticket for parliament and as a result Kabwila left for UTM. That was a bit history. I am surprised today to see the three together making a statement. Did Msowoya and Kabwila even looked in the… Read more »
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Yes the IG must resign. This is the road to the solution about violence, not pledges made by political parties at their recent meeting. Those were mere pledges which can never materialize the same way Henry (Mandevu) Mussa told MBC to open up to the opposition. He knew it very well nobody would dare do that at MBC unless they are prepared to be fired.
It is no longer Malawi Police.But Jose Police.
A partisan IG has no place in a democratic Malawi. Honourably resign bwana. Ntchito yakukanikani.
And Jose killed Chasowa, expect your arrest on 23 May!