UDF appear to do political social distancing with DPP: Condemn attack on Zodiak cameraman by cadets

The opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) says it was not involved in the beating of a cameraman for the privately-owned Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS), David Chapita, at the Lilongwe Magistrate Courts on 15 July 2020.

Chapita was beaten up in line of duty as he took visuals of the court appearance of Norman Chisale, chief security aide to immediate former President Peter Mutharika, who is being accused of involvement in the importation of cement using Mutharika’s taxpayer’s identification number (TPIN).

The attackers, while putting on UDF colours and those of their electoral allies in the fresh presidential election, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), executed their crime in full view of the police at Lilongwe Magistrate Court in Lilongwe.

However, in a statement UDF Secretary General Kandi Padambo issued on July 27 2020 in the aftermath of the fresh presidential election, the party denies any involvement in the attack on the journalists.

He has further urged the UDF members and supporters to desist from any unruly behavior that may be perceived as infringing upon the rights of others and disrespectful of the due processes of our national laws.

Padambo calls upon UDF members, supporters and followers to support the leadership as it embarks on an extensive exercise aimed at invigorating and rejuvenating the party.

“As we move towards the 2025 tripartite elections and beyond, UDF would like to focus on strengthening its structures and build on the solid legacy bequeathed by its founding fathers and mothers, which include promotion, defending and safeguarding the rule of law and the rights of the people of Malawi and ensuring an accountable, just and open democratic system of government,” Padambo appeals.

Meanwhile, UDF spokesperson Ken Ndanga  remains in custody after being arrested on suspicion that he had a hand in the petrol bombing of UTM Party offices in Lilongwe that led to loss of three lives.

Ndanga is suspected to have had a hand in the petrol bombing of the UTM District Office at Area 24 in Lilongwe. The torching happened prior to the June 23 fresh presidential elections.

A security guard at the UTM Party office, Selemani Tambala, his wife Ayiles and son Shukuran, who were part of the family living in the office backyard, died several days later at Kamuzu Central Hospital from burns sustained in the fire.

Padambo said the arrest of Ndanga was a shock to the party, adding that the party is keen to learn charges against Ndanga and the role he is suspected to have played in the attack.

He said UDF, like other stakeholders, condemned the bombing of UTM Party offices.

Police earlier arrested four other people including a director of DPP youths in the central region in connection with the UTM Party offices attack and death of the three people that were housed in the offices.

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