Tension in Mangochi: Malawi police take back Muslim occupied govt premises

Malawi Police have erected numerous road blocks in Mangochi after a night long operation on Monday that led to arrest of six people and the law enforcers forcibly taking back government premises illegally occupied by a Muslim organisation.

Reports from Mangochi said the atmosphere is still tense after the Muslim Jamaat was kicked out of the premises in a bloodless operation by the police aided by Malawi Defence Force soldiers.

Mangochi police spokesman Rodrick Maida confirmed the arrest of the six whom he said are guards for the muslim organisation.

“We are looking for those who employed them,” said Maida implying leaders of Muslim Jamaat face arrest.

Some people in Mangochi said the government got the land where ministry of works camp and PVHO offices were located for free.

“Our grand fathers donated the land to the government for free in the 1970s and we want it back,” said one Mangochi resident who asked not to be named in fear of police reprisals.

Reports indicate some residents shared the land in the last 10 years until two to three weeks when they handed over the place to Muslim Jamaat.

Officials from the Muslim religious body were not available for comment.

Meanwhile, the six have now been released on bail after presidential advisor on religious issues Timothy Khoviwa engaged the Muslim community and all stakeholders involved in a discussion.