By Burnett Munthali
In the early hours of today, at around 2:00 AM, a group of armed men carrying clubs, knives, and hammers scaled the fence of Limbe Cathedral and broke into the Maria Goretti Convent, where nuns reside.
The attack took a violent turn when security guards confronted the intruders. A fierce altercation ensued, leaving one of the guards seriously injured. He is currently receiving medical care at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre.
Limbe Cathedral has been at the center of controversy in recent days following critical remarks by Archbishop Thomas Msusa. The Archbishop had openly criticized the findings of the Chikangawa Commission of Inquiry, labeling them as misleading and incomplete.
The government, reportedly angered by the Archbishop’s statements, has been accused of orchestrating smear campaigns against him. Social media platforms, including the popular Bakili Muluzi TV Station, have been rife with discussions about the incident, with some users accusing authorities of harboring ill intentions against the Archbishop.
Observers believe the attack may have been politically motivated, as it comes amid growing discontent over Archbishop Msusa’s vocal stance against government policies and actions. The Archbishop recently condemned the appointment of controversial individuals to positions of spiritual authority and criticized corruption within the system.
Prominent voices in the church and civil society have raised alarm over the safety of religious leaders. Social media posts have pointed fingers at various officials, including Police Commissioner Ackis Muwanga, accusing them of plotting harm against the Archbishop.
Calls for Justice
The attack has sparked outrage among the Catholic community and beyond, with calls for a thorough investigation into the incident. Many are demanding assurances for the safety of religious leaders and accountability for those responsible.
As the story unfolds, the nation watches closely, hoping for calm and justice to prevail. For now, Limbe Cathedral remains a symbol of resilience amid turbulent times.
