By Burnett Munthali
The Parliamentary Committee on Defense and Security has summoned the Inspector General of Police, Merlene Yolamu, to explain why innocent Malawians are being attacked by thugs wielding panga knives while no arrests have been made.
Chairperson of the committee, Salim Bagus, expressed deep concern over the growing insecurity in the country, stating that the situation has reached an alarming level.
Bagus told Zodiak Broadcasting Station this afternoon that it is unfortunate that these thugs appear to be so powerful that they even dare to attack members of parliament without facing any consequences.
He emphasized that the failure of the police to act on these violent attacks raises serious questions about the security apparatus in the country.
The committee’s decision to summon the Inspector General comes in response to increasing public outcry over the impunity with which criminals are terrorizing communities.
Reports have emerged that armed thugs are targeting both ordinary citizens and high-profile individuals, instilling fear among Malawians.
There have been several incidents where criminals, armed with panga knives, have ambushed people in broad daylight, leaving them injured and traumatized.
Despite the rising cases of such violent attacks, there has been little to no action from law enforcement agencies to apprehend the perpetrators.
The lack of arrests has fueled speculation that some individuals within the system might be shielding these criminals from justice.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the Center for Democracy and Economic Development Initiative (CDEDI), Sylvester Namiwa, has issued a stern warning to those behind these attacks.
Namiwa cautioned the thugs to tread carefully, stating that the people who are protecting them will not remain in power forever.
He pointed out that history has shown that regimes change, and those who engage in acts of impunity often find themselves exposed when the political landscape shifts.
Namiwa’s statement suggests that there could be political players shielding the attackers, a claim that raises further concerns about the state of governance and rule of law in Malawi.
Civil society organizations have also condemned the wave of violence, urging authorities to take swift action before the situation spirals out of control.
Many Malawians have expressed frustration over what they see as a failure by law enforcement agencies to fulfill their duty of protecting citizens.
The continued attacks have also sparked debates on whether the country’s security forces are being deliberately weakened for political reasons.
Some observers argue that the failure to arrest the criminals could be an indication of deep-seated corruption within the police force.
With the Inspector General now expected to appear before the Parliamentary Committee, Malawians are eager to hear what explanations will be given regarding this growing security crisis.
There is widespread hope that the meeting will lead to concrete actions to restore law and order in the country.
Security analysts warn that if left unchecked, the current wave of attacks could embolden criminals to escalate their violent activities.
As the situation unfolds, many citizens are calling for urgent police reforms to ensure that law enforcement agencies operate independently and efficiently.
The coming days will be crucial in determining whether authorities are serious about addressing the security concerns raised by both lawmakers and the general public.
Malawians are now looking to the government and law enforcement agencies for reassurance that their safety is a priority.
