IG accept criticism on political violence
Police Inspector General (IG) Rodney Jose on Friday swallowed his pride and confessed they should have done better on political violence that happened in full view of officers.
He made the admission when he held an interface meeting with members of different political parties under the banner of Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD) in Lilongwe.
His acknowledgement also follows complaints by the parties that law enforcers have been looking away while some party zealots unleashed terror on members of rival parties.
According to the IG, the honeymoon is over for all those perpetrating violence as the police have now taken an undertaking to apply the full force of the law.
Said Jose: “Lack of confidence in the police has come because of inaction by us where some incidents happened in full view of our officers.”
“There are some party hooligans who in defiance, roam the streets making threats. We commit to decisively deal with these incidences and other acts that may cause breach of peace.”
CMD chairperson Eisenhower Mkaka, who is also secretary general of main opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP), claimed that political violence is being initiated by ruling Democratic Progressive Party(DPP) youth cadets and by way of revenge, some young people from rival parties are starting to engage in the same.
But DPP spokesperson Nicholas Dausi dismissed the assertions by Mkaka as untrue and unfounded.
He challenged Mkaka to provide evidence that DPP youth cadets were behind the violence in Mangochi where UTM supporters, including a woman were undressed.
Dausi also described as lies reports that DPP youths roughed up an MCP supporter, a Mr Govati in Blantyre.
The interface meeting has since resolved that political party presidents belonging to CMD should meet and continue with the dialogue on curbing political violence.
Among others, the parties have also made an undertaking to advise their members and candidates to adopt an issue-based campaign. They also pledged not to allow party members to take part in removing other parties’ flags or any campaign materials.
