By Burnett Munthali
Lilongwe, Malawi – Reports emerging from Wednesday’s peaceful demonstrations in Lilongwe have taken a disturbing turn, as one individual allegedly linked to State House was apprehended in possession of a panga knife. The man was captured at Crossroads Filing Station following violent interruptions that marred the otherwise orderly protests.
Eyewitnesses stated that the young man, carrying a laptop bag containing the weapon, attempted to blend in with the public after the disruptions. However, alert vigilantes recognized and apprehended him. Upon interrogation, the man produced identification documents indicating he is employed at State House.
Despite the documents confirming his affiliation, citizens confiscated both the weapon and his credentials before turning him over to law enforcement. Reliable sources have identified the suspect as hailing from Kasiya, Lilongwe.
The violent clashes, allegedly orchestrated by armed groups from areas such as Mchesi, Msundwe, and State House, have drawn widespread condemnation. Citizens, civil society organizations, and human rights activists have expressed outrage at what they perceive as state-sponsored attempts to suppress freedom of assembly.
The demonstrations, initially peaceful, were organized to protest against various governance issues under the Malawi Congress Party (MCP)-led government. However, the presence of armed thugs disrupted the protests, leading to violent confrontations.
In a rare unified statement, former presidents Dr. Bakili Muluzi, Dr. Joyce Banda, and Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika have jointly condemned the violence. They called on the MCP government to uphold democratic values, protect citizens’ rights, and ensure accountability for those responsible for the disruptions.
“This kind of behavior has no place in a democracy. It is the responsibility of any government to ensure that citizens can freely express their grievances without fear of violence,” their statement read.
As investigations continue, calls for transparency and justice have intensified, with many urging the government to distance itself from individuals or groups seeking to undermine democratic processes. The police are yet to release an official statement regarding the suspect’s custody and any charges that may be brought against him.
The incident has heightened tensions in Malawi’s political landscape, with opposition parties and activists questioning the government’s commitment to safeguarding democratic rights.
