Police track Chasowa, July 20 killers

Malawi Police Service have set up teams to thoroughly investigate and prosecute those responsible for the death of Robert Chasowa and those connected with the death of 20 demonstrators in July 2011.

Chasowa, a Polytechnic engineering student, was found dead on campus in September, 2011. A report by a commission of inquiry set up by President Joyce Banda concluded last week that he was murdered, contradicting an earlier police version which suggested the student committed suicide.

Malawi National Police deputy spokesperson Kelvin Maigwa confirmed the development in an interview on Sunday.

“We have appointed a five-member team to investigate the murder of Robert Chasowa. This follows a recommendation of the commission of inquiry. Whoever is implicated will be arrested to answer charges of murder,” said Maigwa.

He said another team comprising seven officers has been appointed to investigate the July 20 and 21 killings which claimed lives of 20 civilians.

Maigwa, however, could not give a time frame during which the teams are expected to conclude their work or when arrests would be made. But he said the teams are going by recommendations of the commission of inquiry which asked for an expedited conclusion of the matters.

According to Maigwa, the teams started their work yesterday.

He said the teams are working in collaboration with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).