Mighty Wanderers general secretary David Kanyenda was summoned at the Southern Region Police Headquarters at the weekend over the Lali Lubani fraternity’s plans to demonstrate against Sulom’s decision to fine them K700 000 (about $1 750) and ban them for five months.
The Nomads were punished following violence that occurred in Balaka during their Super League game against Silver Strikers, which led to the death of a fan, Lemiyasi Josita.
At a meeting held at Wanderers Club last Thursday, the Nomads executive committee and a section of their fans agreed to march to Sanjika Palace, FAM and Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) offices to present petitions.
Kanyenda yesterday confirmed being summoned, saying: “I would not say it was an interrogation and I was not arrested, but they wanted to find out if the reports that we were planning to have a demonstration were true.
“There were three senior police officers whom I held discussions with. I briefed them about the situation and they advised me to use the proper procedures such as getting Blantyre City Council approval and informing them [Police] in good time so that they strategise on issues of security in the event that we proceed with the plans.”
The Nomads had planned to march last Saturday, but postponed it pending the outcome of their appeal to FAM.
Asked what was the connection between the march to Sanjika and their punishment, Kanyenda said: “Because we are bona fide citizens of the land and, therefore, we have to seek government intervention to ensure that this ban is reversed.”
Southern Region police publicist Nicholas Gondwa confirmed Kanyenda’s summoning but said he needed to get more details from the authorities because he did not attend the meeting.
