MHRC to probe Msundwe human rights violations

In its letter dated October 18 and signed by executive director Charles Kajoloweka, YAS argues that the inquiry by MPS may lack credibility and impartiality.

“We strongly doubt the credibility and impartiality of the internal investigations instituted by the police. Experience shows that such approaches are merely cover-ups to shield officers from facing the law,” he said.

Among other things, YAS has called on the police leadership to immediately send on forced leave all officers deployed to Msundwe, Mpingu and M’bwatalika on the day in question pending the investigations.
The civil society grouping also wants police to provide protection to victims in order to avert any potential attempts by the suspected culprits to conceal evidence.

Mwapasa was not immediately available for comment.
Following the Msundwe fracas, where an irate mob stoned to death MPS Superintendent Usumani Imedi at Msundwe Trading Centre, police arrested 43 suspects but 39 have been granted bail.