By Burnett Munthali
A video clip circulating on social media has sparked widespread debate and concern after it was reported that police officers on duty at Area 3 Police Station in Lilongwe dismissed a complaint brought forward by Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) president Enoch Chihana. According to reports, Chihana and his team went to the station to lodge a formal complaint about an attack they allegedly suffered at the hands of Munlo and his team in Mchesi on Thursday, 27th February 2025. However, the police reportedly told him that his complaint was a “useless matter” and did not “hold any water.”
On Thursday, Chihana and other AFORD officials were allegedly ambushed in Mchesi by individuals believed to be associated with Malawi Congress Party (MCP) led by Munlo. Details about the attack remain unclear, but reports indicate that AFORD members escaped with no injuries but were left shaken by the incident as the car they were traveling in got damaged. Political tensions within the country have been rising in recent months, and this attack is seen as part of the broader struggle for influence within the nation.
Eyewitnesses claim that Munlo’s team confronted Chihana’s group in what appeared to be a premeditated act of violence. The confrontation reportedly turned physical, but members escape unhurt but forcing others to flee for safety. In response to this, Chihana and his associates decided to report the incident to the police, seeking legal intervention and protection.
According to the video circulating online, when Chihana and his team arrived at Area 3 Police Station, they were met with unexpected resistance from officers on duty. The police allegedly dismissed their complaint, stating that the matter was not serious enough to warrant their attention. Some officers reportedly went as far as calling the issue “useless,” an assertion that has sparked outrage among AFORD supporters and members of the public.
Frustrated by the response, Chihana reportedly escalated the matter by lodging a formal complaint with the officer in charge of the station. His move indicates dissatisfaction with the police’s handling of the situation and raises concerns about law enforcement’s impartiality in political disputes.
The police’s reaction to Chihana’s complaint raises serious questions about law enforcement’s role in ensuring justice and maintaining political neutrality in Malawi. By dismissing the complaint outright, the officers have inadvertently sent a message that political violence can go unchecked, potentially emboldening perpetrators.
Furthermore, the incident underscores growing concerns about selective justice, where authorities seem reluctant to intervene in cases involving politically connected individuals or factions. If law enforcement agencies fail to act impartially, it could erode public trust in the justice system and fuel further political instability.
With his complaint now formally lodged at the station, Chihana and his supporters are awaiting further action from law enforcement authorities. However, given the initial reluctance from police officers on duty, AFORD may seek other legal avenues to ensure that the perpetrators of the Mchesi attack are held accountable.
The party’s leadership is expected to engage with relevant authorities, including the Inspector General of Police and human rights organizations, to demand an investigation into both the attack and the police’s response. If no action is taken, AFORD may also consider taking legal steps to challenge the police’s handling of the case.
The events surrounding the attack on Enoch Chihana and the subsequent police response at Area 3 Station highlight a troubling pattern of political violence and selective law enforcement. While more details are expected to emerge, the incident serves as a reminder of the urgent need for police reform and greater accountability in handling politically motivated conflicts. As the nation moves closer to the 2025 general elections, authorities must demonstrate a commitment to upholding justice and ensuring that all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, are protected under the law.
