PP supporters assault Mwenifumbo, his supporters in KA

Former People’s Party (PP) deputy secretary general Frank Mwenifumbo was on Monday assaulted in Karonga allegedly by PP’s aspiring parliamentary candidate Cornelius Mwalwanda and his supporters.

Police in Karonga have confirmed the incident, but PP say it cannot comment as the issue is in the hands of police.

Mwenifumbo was fired from PP for contesting as an independent candidate after he lost in the party’s primaries to Mwalwanda, who is also Deputy Minister of Finance.

Supporters of the two candidates, contesting for Karonga Central Constituency, have in the past been involved in skirmishes, which led to the intervention of Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP), among others, to bring the rival groups together.

Mwenifumbo told The Nation yesterday that he was part of the entourage accompanying President Joyce Banda during her activities in Karonga on Monday.

After attending President Banda’s official opening of Ngara Admarc Ginnery around lunch hour, Mwenifumbo was travelling to Mlare Secondary School ground to see off Banda board a plane for her next assignment to inspect construction of water reservoirs at Songwe Border.

“But Mwalwanda and his supporters blocked my car at Mlare Trading Centre which is viewed as Mwalwanda’s stronghold. He dragged me out of the car, slapped me, asking why I was attending PP’s functions. His supporters threatened me with objects in full view of the police. But the police did nothing.

“Luckily, village head Brighton Mwambelo who was nearby whisked me away to safety,” claimed Mwenifumbo.

This was happening before President Banda had passed through the area.

“Noticing the violence, the President’s intelligence unit advised her against addressing the gathering in the area,” claimed Mwenifumbo.

He said violent scenes continued into the night where houses purportedly suspected to belong to his supporters were destroyed.

Mwambelo, in a separate interview, confirmed rescuing Mwenifumbo from assault.

“They tore Mwenifumbo’s suit. Some people of goodwill who were rescuing him were also injured in the process.

“The fracas continued during the night. Up to 10 houses have been destroyed. Some of them belong to my village,” he said.

Mwalwanda referred the matter to PP’s deputy publicity secretary Ken Msonda who, together with Harry Mkandawire are alleged to have helped calm the situation.

PP acting secretary general Paul Maulidi confirmed the incident but could not be drawn to comment on who incited the fracas, saying “both parties are accusing each other.”

“When I reached the area of incident I saw Mwalwanda’s supporters, but I can’t say who did what. We understand the issue is in the hands of police now. But as a party we condemn the incident in the strongest terms. PP doesn’t condone acts of violence,” he said.

Karonga Police officer-in-charge Foster Mangani said his office has received the complaint from Mwenifumbo and that they will launch an investigation to arrest the offenders.

Mangani said he is not well placed to comment on allegations that the incident happened in full view of the police who did not make any arrest.

“Police can be around the incident, but they cannot overcome the majority,” he said, adding: “That is not to justify the incident. I was not there so I cannot comment.”

Addressing a rally at Baka Secondary School in the district on Monday afternoon, the President spoke highly against violence during this campaign period.