LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Leader of Opposition has condemned the Malawi Police Service (MPS) and Malawi Defence Force (MDF) for staying silent amid rising attacks on peaceful protesters nationwide.
In an interview on Friday June 27, with Maravi Post, the opposition leader George Chaponda said police inaction shows they support lawlessness, which puts Malawi’s democracy at risk.
Chaponda warned that police silence is not just negligence but complicity, sending a message that lawlessness is protected by those meant to uphold the law.
He said that in recent weeks, violent crimes and attacks on activists have escalated.
He further said yesterday, machete-wielding thugs attacked peaceful protesters led by Sylvester Namiwa in full view of police officers and MDF soldiers marking the fifth time Malawians exercising their right to protest have been targeted.
“Despite these repeated incidents, no arrests have been made, and the Malawi Police Service has yet to issue any public statement. The thugs, widely believed to be aligned with the ruling Malawi Congress Party, continue to terrorize Malawians with apparent immunity.
“Democracy cannot thrive under intimidation,” the opposition leader warned. “If the police choose to watch while citizens are brutalized, they will be remembered not as enforcers of law and order, but as silent enablers of tyranny,” Chaponda lamented.
Meanwhile, the Leader of Opposition is demanding an explanation from the police chief, the arrest of those behind the attacks, and a government guarantee to protect the right to peaceful protest.
“Where is the police leadership? Where is their duty to protect Malawians?”Chaponda asked.
He therefore warned that without urgent action, Malawi’s growing insecurity could destroy democratic progress and push the country into fear and lawlessness.
