DPP official shot

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) regional treasurer (North), Happy Kumwenda is admitted to St John’s Hospital in Mzuzu after he was shot  at his house on Sunday.

In an interview on Tuesday at the hospital, Kumwenda said he was being followed by a motorcycle from Katoto residential area where he is building a house to his home in Mzilawayingwe Township.

“When I reached home, I parked my car and started chatting with the guard. Then some people in a black Nissan Note came and said they wanted a car to hire,” he said.

The DPP official said the people told him they came from Mchengautuwa.

“As soon as they mentioned Mchengautuwa, one of them opened fire and shot me in the back,” said Kumwenda.

He suspects that the assailants were being tipped by the motorcyclist, who was trailing him, about his exact location.

“They wanted to finish me but I pretended to have collapsed and they left. If I showed any sign of life, they would have finished me,” said Kumwenda.

According to the DPP official, hospital personnel cleared the wound but did not remove the bullet. He fears the bullet might be in his body for a while.

Kumwenda also claimed that some people spotted the black Nissan Note outside the hospital and suspects that they want to attack him again.

Hospital administrator Charity Chinkono said medical officials were handling Kumwenda with care and he will be referred to another hospital if need be.

She said Kumwenda should not panic because the hospital provides 24-hour security.

Northern Region Police spokesperson Maurice Chapola said police are also on guard and are paying Kumwenda visits to ensure his safety.

He called on the public not to panic over the incident as they will use available clues to arrest the suspects.

Meanwhile, police are analysing a live bullet found at Kumwenda’s house and a cartilage to identify the gun used in the shooting. n