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MHRC calls for fresh probe over killings

 

The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has called for a fresh probe into alleged murders of encroachers at the protected Dzalanyama Forest Reserve and into killings of police officers while on duty.

The commission also carried out investigations on killings of civilians by police officers, Nation on Sunday understands.

However, details of exact incidents which are under probe, including names of victims and alleged perpetrators, places and dates are yet to be made public.

According to a source close to an investigation instituted by MHRC, preliminary investigations into the two separate matters has suggested enough grounds for a more detailed investigation.

Malera: We cannot divulge  preliminary results
Malera: We cannot divulge
preliminary results

The release of the preliminary results were delayed due to previous absence of MHRC commissioners, but following the appointment of a new commission by President Peter Mutharika, the source added, the commission has now adopted the preliminary findings and agreed to move a step ahead with more forensic investigations.

Said the source: “Evidence from preliminary investigations are perceived not be conclusive, but enough to justify a more comprehensive probe. The current findings are likely not to be shared with the public. The commission has recommended that more investigations be carried out which will subsequently produce a report to be shared to the public.”

In an e-mail response to a Nation on Sunday questionnaire, MHRC executive secretary Grace Malera confirmed that a new probe is underway on the killings which occurred earlier this year.

However, Malera kept a tight lid on the findings of the preliminary probe, saying disclosing would jeopardise the planned investigations.

She said the results will be made public as soon as the work is finalised, adding the first quarter of 2016 is the likely time frame for release of the results.

Said Malera: “The commission carried out and finalised the series of on-spot investigations into the spate of killings of police officers by civilians and killings of civilians by police officers. Primarily, fact finding missions were conducted. The commission is in the process of compiling and analysing all the information and evidence that was generated, and will release a report on its findings and recommendations once this phase is finalised.

“From the analysis carried out this far, it shows that there are some aspects of the work that will require in-depth probes and further investigations.”

In a separate interview, Malera clarified that the commission was conducting both investigations into alleged murders carried out by police and MDF but said the investigations were being conducted separately.n

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