DPP Cadets Attack Demonstrators
Democratic Progressive Party DPP supporters have foiled Human Rights Defenders Coalition HRDC planned Demonstrations in Blantyre.
The cadets who wore party clothes chased the first demonstrators to gather at upper stadium and smashed a car belonging to chairperson of HRDC in the Southern region.
Although there was heavy presence of police from independence Arch up to Chichiri Convention Centre, nothing was done to stop the violent acts from happening.
This brought fear among shop owners at Chichiri shopping Mall that later closed the shops.
According to Thawe the car was smashed when they wanted to update Malawians on the court order on whether to proceed with the demonstrations following Blantyre city council’s rejection.
“We are very concerned with the act of security personnel for failing to defend the right of the demonstrators,” bemoaned Thawe
Later the court granted an order to HRDC to proceed with the demonstrations.
However, the mood was dull in Blantyre and doubtful that people would come out in large numbers to participate in the demonstrations.
Therefore, Thawe asked the demonstrators to go back to their respective homes and return at the post tomorrow when the demonstration will take place.
Later on, DPP supporters went to headquarters of Malawi Congress Party where they smashed windows and beat a person at the premises.
It took the intervention of Malawi defense force to calm the situation at chichiri shopping mall and arrested some DPP cadets.
In Lilongwe the demonstrators marched to parliament building where they will spend the night outside.
In an interview with Radio Islam, HRDC member Alie Mwachande said “the demonstrations will continue until Jane Ansah steps down.”
In his remarks, MCP president Lazarus Chakwera said Malawians are going to be restless until their expectations are fulfilled.
UTM president Dr Saulosi Chilima said DPP should not divert the country with its acts.
Chilima asked Muthalika to condemn and make a stop to the violent acts by the DPP cadets.
When asked on the call to resign commissioner Moffat Banda said will not comment on issues that are in court.
Banda said he does not feel any sense of guilty as GOD in control.
Commenting on DPP cadets act in Blantyre, MCP publicity Secretary Rev. Maurice Munthali has urged Malawi Police Service to arrest them as they have vandalized the party’s Blantyre office.
“The development is very worrisome as it hinders the right of people to conduct peaceful demonstrations,” Munthali said
DPP spokesperson Nicolas Dausi could not comment on the matter as he said was in parliament when our reporter called him.
In Mangochi, demonstrators marched from Mpondasi Trading centre towards office of district commissioner.
Our reporter in Mangochi said some people believed to be DPP supporters tried to block the demonstrators soon after they started the march.
However, security personnel thwarted their plans.
In a related story, chiefs from TA Kalembo in Balaka district have condemned national wide demonstrations saying they are a threat to people’s security.
The chiefS made the remarks during a press conference which they organised after a group of concerned citizens in Balaka were planning to join the demonstrations at district level on 5th July, 2019.
Speaking on behalf of the chiefs group village head Kalembo said as chiefs they are not happy with the demonstrations because they bring chaos.
Kalembo said during demonstrations businesses are affected, innocent people injured and lose lives.
Meanwhile, NGO Gender Coordinating Network (NGO GCN) says the demand for the resignation of Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson has nothing to do with gender because it is targeting her performance.
Chairperson of NGO GCN, Babrah Banda, said “my organization is taking it as a political issue where Malawians are expressing their grievances.”
Banda however was quick to say men are taking advantage of the matter because they are in majority especially in decision making decisions.
She added that Malawians need to understand the context of the matter.
