Extract from Mwanza Road Accident Report: A Cautionary Tale for Governments

By Burnett Munthali

The Mwanza Road Accident Report of 1994 serves as a powerful reminder of the inevitable reckoning that awaits any government which, in its moment of power, believes its authority is unassailable. On Page 85 of the Commission of Inquiry report, dated December 23, 1994, a stark warning is delivered:

“This Inquiry should also serve as a warning to all governments that however strong and unchallenged their authority may seem to be at a given moment in time, life is dynamic and things change, and that one day the meekest of the meek will be in a position to rise and question their deeds, and that the truth cannot be suppressed completely and forever.”

• Namalomba dismisses “Fake” letter on Mutharika’s withdrawal, says APM still in the race
  By Burnett Munthali In an exclusive interview with 247 Malawi, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) spokesperson Honourable Shadric Namalomba has firmly…
• Lumbadzi Police station for peaceful co-existence
  KONDWANI KANDIADO- CONTRIBUTOR New officer in-charge for Lumbadzi Police Station Deputy commissioner, Dennis Banda says the station is geared to…
• Gangata files notice for peaceful demonstration in Lilongwe
  By Vincent Gunde A proud concerned citizen of Malawi, a prominent businessman and a politician serving as Democratic Progressive Party…
• UN Women says MGCC2 has increased digital access in young women
  By Vincent Gunde The UN Women says its project Malawi Girls Can Code Too (MGCC2) has made Malawian girls and…
• FAM Under Fire Over AGM Resolutions
  By Draxon Maloya The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) is facing intense criticism following its recent Annual General Meeting (AGM)…
• Malawi’s 2025 Presidential showdown: Is Chakwera still the answer or is it time for Mutharika’s return?
  Chakwera’s leadership has been marred by rising inflation, fuel and forex shortages, high cost of living, and widespread concerns about government waste and corruption.
• Mukhito pledges transformation for Lilongwe City Centre if DPP returns to power
  He emphasized that the people of Lilongwe City Centre deserve better infrastructure, services, and economic opportunities, and his leadership will prioritize addressing their long-standing needs.
• Kalindo says Malawi is a country of shame
  Kalindo said the Army and Police have forgotten their role of serving the people and instead, they are serving politicians of the ruling political party in government saying it is not surprising that the European Union (EU) has threaten to withdraw military support to the two institutions.
• Kamlepo Kalua claims Malawians are not against Chakwera
  By Vincent GundePresident Dr. Lazarus Chakwera..,… he has taken Malawi to a land of terror.

This profound message emphasizes the transient nature of power and the inevitable shift in societal dynamics that allows the once-silenced to demand accountability. It cautions those in positions of authority to act with integrity, knowing that their actions today may one day be scrutinized by those they once considered powerless.

The Mwanza road accident, which claimed the lives of several political figures, has long been regarded as a pivotal event in Malawi’s political history. The inquiry that followed was not just an investigation into the immediate cause of the accident but also a deep reflection on the broader implications of unchecked governmental power.

This passage highlights a central theme of the report: the idea that governments cannot suppress the truth indefinitely. Even in moments when their authority seems unquestioned, societal change will eventually force the truth to surface. It is a warning for those in power to act ethically, for the future will hold them accountable for their actions.

The extract from the report continues to resonate, not only as part of Malawi’s history but also as a universal lesson for governments around the world.