By Burnett Munthali

Norman Chisale, the youth leader of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), has criticized Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda for his response regarding a police assault case involving DPP youths. The incident occurred earlier this year at Mbowe, where some DPP youth members were allegedly beaten.

Chisale expressed his disappointment after Chimwendo Banda responded to a request made by Chisale, which was directed to Police Inspector General Merlyn Yolamu. Chisale had asked Yolamu to address the issue, but to his surprise, Chimwendo Banda stepped in with comments on the matter.

“Richard Chimwendo Banda is not the spokesperson for the Inspector General of Police. He overstepped his boundaries,” Chisale remarked, accusing Chimwendo Banda of responding because he believes he holds too much power.

The DPP youth leader further condemned Chimwendo Banda’s involvement, stating that it was inappropriate for him to speak on a matter that should have been handled by the police leadership. He urged Chimwendo Banda to respect the chain of command and let the appropriate authorities address the concerns raised by the DPP.

The incident at Mbowe, which led to injuries among DPP youth members, has caused a political stir, with calls for accountability from the Malawi Police Service.