MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-Preliminary results of an autopsy conducted to establish the cause of death of Justin Phiri who died last week in the hands of police in Mzuzu, have revealed that he died of inflicted wounds which were not medicated on time.
According to a private practice lawyer, Blessious Kondowe, full results of the cause of the death will be out next week, but so far, there is an overwhelming evidence that Phiri died of an assault.
“A comprehensive postmortem report will be out in due course but initial results show that the death was as a result of inflicted wounds which were not treated in time. The overwhelming evidence is that the wounds were a result of an assault,” said Kondowe.
Phiri and others were severely beaten by MDF soldiers and later on arrested by the police in Karonga during the anti Jane Ansah demonstrations which were initially slated to take pace from 18 to 20 September across the country.
However, Happy Mhango who is the Northen Region Chairperson for Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) who organised the demos, said they are following the issue with total keenness.
“We are following it and we are yet to gather necessary information from the relevant authorities. But suffice to say it is shocking that this is what we get as Malawians and it’s appalling that the people are not yet out of cell,” Mhango said.
Meanwhile, the police have not yet commented on the matter.
Late Phiri and others were charged with inciting violence and they were transferred last week Friday from Karonga to Mzuzu Police under a heavy police escort.
Phiri has died at the age of 20 while in the hands of police.
