BLANTYRE(MaraviPost)--An alleged video clip which has gone viral on social network has exposed how Malawi Defence Force (MDF) soldiers are abusing people caught cutting down trees in Dzalanyama forest reserve.
In the one minute seven seconds video clip, six men are seen being tortured by about three soldiers. The clips exposes soldiers carrying guns assaulting people caught cutting down trees and ferrying charcoal. MDF spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Francis Kakhuta Banda, in an interview with The Nation, confirmed watching the clip and said investigations are underway.
“We are aware of the clip in question. In fact, we know of allegations that MDF soldiers are physically assaulting people caught in Dzalanyama Forest. However, these are isolated incidences, but we are investigating and once the soldiers are found, they are going to be disciplined,” Banda was quoted as saying in The Nation.
Dzalanyama forest reserve, which is a catchment area for Lilongwe River where LWB gets its water, has been under constant threat of extinction due to uncontrollable cutting down of trees to feed the growing demand for charcoal and firewood in the capital city amid decimal access to electricity.
