PP, DPP trade barbs on violence

Malawi’s ruling People’s Party (PP) has dismissed as unfounded reports that it organised its supporters to disrupt the hearing of a court process where DPP interim president Peter Mutharika and 10 others were expected to appear.

DPP spokesperson Nicholas Dausi, who is among the arrested, following a Commission of Inquiry Report on the death of late president Bingu wa Mutharika that exposed attempts to circumvent constitutional order last year, alleged in an interview with Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) that PP officials in Lilongwe were behind the mayhem.

Dausi alleged that PP has an intention of causing havoc in town during court proceedings so that the 11 arrested should remain in custody.

But PP spokesperson Hophmally Makande described the remarks as unfortunate.

“It is a pity he (Dausi) has decided to smear the mud on PP. PP has no connection with the violence. In fact, Dr. [George] Chaponda was on radio this morning confessing that the party’s youth are wreaking havoc in town because they have been provoked. They should spare us this madness,” said Makande.

Makande wondered why the police were not acting decisively on the violence saying “as a party we will not allow anarchy. The party (PP) will take steps on this.” He did not elaborate.