LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-MISA Malawi has penned Malawi Defence Force (MDF) Commander Paul Phiri and Attorney General (AG) Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda seeking protection for Platform for Investigative Journalism (PIJ) Director Gregory Gondwe amid his life threats and intimidation.

The journalist Gondwe on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, issued a message expressing his distress while hiding after receiving tip that he was being hunted by MDF following this week’s story he wrote about the army entered into contract agreement with business tycoon Zunneth Sattar despite restrictions order from Malawi Government as he is under probe.

Journalist Gondwe disclosed alleged that top
government officials confided with him that the MDF intended to ‘arrest’ me for allegedly ‘endangering
state security’—a vague and ominous accusation.

”Given the potential for my situation to be ‘accidentalised’ with a seemingly plausible explanation
posthumously, I’ve heeded the advice to protect myself. In this line of work, death can be
disguised as an accident, and no hospital can revive a life once lost,” Gondwe wrote on his
Facebook Page.

In a statement issued on Thursday afternoon, February 1, 2024 and signed by MISA Malawi Chairperson, Golden Matonga stated that the body is deeply concerned with threats on Gondwe.

Matonga said MISA engaged the MDF Commander Phiri and AG Nyirenda on the matter and the duo have assured the media body of Gondwe’s protection while disputing claims of plans to arrest the journalist or intimidate him for writing the story.

“We hope and trust that these assurances are true and sincere.

“This isn’t just about legal threats, which I was prepared to face head-on,” worried Matonga.

He however reminded President Lazarus Chakwera’s Tonse Alliance administration and government agencies and all citizens that threats on journalists are
retrogressive and a threat to democracy.

“We believe that if MDF or any other concerned parties have an issue with the media, they should
use proper channels to raise such issues, but military interrogations and threats are not among
those channels.

“The threats on Gondwe’s life have a chilling effect on journalists and the media fraternity. As a
democracy, Malawi should not slide back to the era of heavy-handedness on media and critical voices,” urges Matonga.

He therefore assured the media fraternity that MISA will continue to engaging MDF leadership AG office and to ensure the safety of Gondwe and a free and conducive media operating environment.