Mutharika taken to task over Chasowa probe

One of the vocal civil society organisations, Malawi Watch, has advised President Peter Mutharika to make a public statement on what his government plans to do on the probe into the death of former Polytechnic student Robert Chasowa, saying “the country has hope in him”.

Malawi Watch executive director Billy Banda said this on Saturday at the HHI Cemetery in Blantyre during Chasowa’s tombstone unveiling ceremony.

While commending the President for his reconciliation approach during the first three months of his leadership, Banda said Mutharika’s administration has been short in probing for the truth on such crucial matters as Chasowa’s controversial death.

“I am happy that the President is for reconciliation and has shown commitment to do anything for the sake of the nation. He has demonstrated a neautral position in his actions and has lived to his message that he will not shield anyone who violates the law, but there is need for an extra gear on issues where truth is still unknown,” said Banda.

Government was represented at the ceremony by presidential adviser on civil society organisations, Mabvuto Bamusi, but Banda advised Mutharika to do more for the bereaved family.

“For sending a government representative at the ceremony, it shows that the President wants reconciliation with everyone including the Chasowa family which lost a child who was about to graduate from university. This should not end here; government should come up with a compensation strategy for the family and ensure the truth about their child’s death is known.

“There are hopes that this government will carry out successful probes on all issues the public wants to know, but the President should make a statement on his position [on the Chasowa murder],” said Banda.

In his remarks, Bamusi said government is committed to ensuring there is pursuit of truth on Chasowa’s death.

“The President has already said that he will not defend anyone. We will ensure the truth is known and we are asking leaders of civil society organisations and the public to support us in this move,” said Bamusi.

Chasowa died in 2011 when the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was in power under the late Bingu—the incumbent President’s brother.

The People’s Party (PP)-led government under Joyce Banda instituted a commission of inquiry into the death, but the truth surrounding the controversial death is yet to be known.