In a chilling scene that has sparked outrage and renewed concerns over the state of law enforcement in Malawi, prominent political activist Sylvester Namiwa was violently assaulted by unknown assailants in full view of both Malawi Police Service (MPS) and Malawi Defence Force (MDF) officers in the heart of Lilongwe.
The incident occurred near the Parliament Roundabout, where Namiwa was spotted trying to make his way through a small crowd. Without warning, a black unregistered Toyota Fortuner pulled up. A group of men believed to be operatives or politically connected individuals jumped out and immediately descended on Namiwa, manhandling him and tearing his clothes in the process.
Despite his loud cries for help, security officers stationed just metres away stood motionless. Namiwa, visibly shaken and trying to escape the grip of his attackers, ran toward police officers seeking protection.
“Akulu akulu, dzikoli lafika pamenepa? A polisi, mukundisiya anthu awa apange nane zimene akufuna? Ndithandizeni!” he pleaded in Chichewa, his voice cracking with desperation. (Has this country really come to this? Officers, are you just letting these people do whatever they want to me? Help me!)
Our reporter, who witnessed the entire scene, observed police officers hesitating and even stepping back as Namiwa approached them for safety. None raised a hand to stop the attack.
Even more troubling was the presence of MDF officers positioned on top of an armoured vehicle just across the road. Though they appeared alert and had their hands on their firearms, they never left their posts or attempted to intervene.
The identity of the attackers remains unknown, though the use of an unregistered vehicle and the boldness of the assault in front of state security officers have raised serious questions about possible political motivations or official complicity.
Human rights organizations have already condemned the attack, calling it a blatant violation of civil liberties and a worrying sign of eroding rule of law in the country.
“This is more than an assault on an individual — it’s an assault on democracy itself,” said a statement from the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI), the organization which Namiwa heads. “The silence of those tasked with protecting citizens is the loudest part of this incident.”
At the time of writing, there had been no official comment from the police or the Malawi Defence Force regarding their inaction.
The public is demanding answers — and justice. But in a country where fear often walks beside power, many are left wondering: if this can happen to a well-known activist in broad daylight, what protection is there for the ordinary citizen?
