By Iommie Chiwalo
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The consortium of Civil Society Organisations in the country have expressed shock and worry over the conduct of the police who are reportedly to have sneaked activist Bon Kalindo to unknown destination.
In a statement made available to this publication and signed by Phunzilo Mvula of The Social Revolution Movement, Oliver Nakoma of Forum for Democracy and Rights Defenders, Steve Chimwaza of the Human Rights Ambassadors, Gomezgani Nkhoma of Mzuzu Youth Caucus and Sylvester Namiwa of the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives the organisations are deeply concerned with the safety and the whereabouts of activist Bon Kalindo, who is currently in the hands of the Malawi Police Service (MPS).
“When a team of our Lilongwe based Human Rights Activists visited area 30 Police Headquarters in Lilongwe, after the MPS’ confirmation of Kalindo’s arrest, was told that the police were not yet done with Kalindo, and was made to wait at the reception, only to be told later that the suspect was no longer within the area 30 Police Headquarters’ premises,” reads the joint statement from the CSO leaders.
The leaders pointed out that not only them but also family members of Kalindo are equally not aware of the whereabouts of their relation.
“As we are writing this statement, not even his family members have knowledge of both his condition and whereabouts. We strongly condemn this barbaric conduct mastered by the MPS. To say the least, this vice reminds Malawians of the old Malawi Congress Party (MCP) one party era of terror, death and fear,” reads the statement.
The CSOs say are strongly convinced that Kalindo’s arrest is a futile attempt by the MCP administration to silence him.
Meanwhile, the Human Rights Activists, have challenged the Tonse Alliance Government to immediately release him and stop using barbaric laws that are in conflict with the democratic principles to silence its perceived critics, as such attempts reflect badly on President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera’s administration.
They have since called for calm among Bon Kalindo’s followers, and all the concerned citizens.
“We implore on the authorities to accord the suspect fair treatment and trial. That said, we would like to remind President Chakwera in particular, and indeed the concerned citizens that Kalindo’s arrest will not derail the fight against this government to fix the economy, cushion the poor, and deliver on all its campaign promises that were made prior to the court sanctioned June 23, 2020 Fresh Presidential Elections (FPE),” reads the statement.
Police have confirmed arrest of Kalindo for issuing false statements as well as misleading claims about albino killings.
Authorities say he made the remarks during his led demonstrations known as “Malawi Salibwimo”..
