Women lawyers fault police on Msundwe probe
Women Lawyers Association (WLA) spokesperson Mphatso Iphani has described as unfortunate police delay to investigate allegations that its officers raped 17 women and girls around Msundwe in Lilongwe last October.
She said in an interview yesterday the association is even more worried to learn that the police have taken “a very complacent” approach in dealing with the matter.
“We will continue working with the concerned women and girls of Mpingu, Mbwatalika and Msundwe until justice is served,” said Iphani.
She said WLA is working hand in hand with Civil Liberties Lawyers, a group of male lawyers, on pro-bono basis on the matter.
Speaking in a separate Interview, NGO-Gender Coordination Network chairperson Barbra Banda said they will wait for the court process to determine their next course of action.
Meanwhile, National Police spokesperson James Kadadzera has said police are still investigating circumstances that led to the alleged rape.
Kadadzera’s response, however, contradicts his boss and deputy zInspector General John Nyondo who earlier promised to release the report within 14 days. The Msundwe operation followed the murder of police officer Usumani Imedi following violent clashes with local residents.
