By Burnett Munthali
The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi has strongly condemned attacks on journalists allegedly carried out by supporters of the Malawi Congress Party during a court appearance of senior party officials in Lilongwe on Monday.
In a statement, MISA Malawi Chairperson Golden Matonga said journalists were intimidated and physically assaulted while covering the court proceedings involving MCP Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda, former Minister of Trade Vitumbiko Mumba, and party spokesperson Jessie Kabwila.
Zodiak Broadcasting Station reporter Kenphord Mdima and cameraperson Aubrey Kuyere were reportedly attacked while livestreaming the court proceedings and were forced to halt coverage and seek safety inside the courtroom.
TV Islam journalist Aspolo Mousah was also assaulted and allegedly compelled to delete footage he had captured, raising serious concerns about press freedom and journalistic safety.
MISA Malawi highlighted that the attacks created a hostile environment that forced some journalists to remove their media jackets for personal safety, further demonstrating the intensity of the intimidation.
The organisation described the incident as a criminal assault on media freedom and called on both MCP leadership and the Malawi Police Service to take decisive action against those responsible.
MISA emphasized that attacks on journalists are unacceptable in a democratic society and undermine the role of the media in promoting transparency, accountability, and informed public discourse.
The organisation urged political parties and their supporters to respect the constitutional rights of journalists, particularly during high-profile events and court proceedings.
Despite the allegations, MCP has reportedly distanced itself from the incident, with statements in other news outlets suggesting that the party was not involved in the assaults.
MISA Malawi called for an impartial investigation to establish accountability, stressing that denying or ignoring attacks on journalists sets a dangerous precedent for media practice in Malawi.
The organisation further reiterated the need for strong legal and institutional mechanisms to protect journalists and ensure that political violence does not interfere with the free flow of information.
This incident underscores ongoing challenges faced by journalists in Malawi, particularly when covering politically sensitive events or high-profile court cases.
MISA Malawi’s condemnation serves as a reminder that safeguarding press freedom requires the cooperation of political actors, law enforcement, and civil society to uphold democratic norms.
Journalists, MISA noted, play a critical role in holding public officials accountable, and any attempts to intimidate or silence them threaten the democratic process and public trust.
The organisation has urged media houses to continue supporting their staff while advocating for stronger protective measures and legal safeguards.
MISA Malawi’s statement comes amid growing concerns about the safety of journalists in politically charged environments, reinforcing calls for national dialogue on media protection and freedom of expression.
The advocacy group concluded by stressing that attacks on media personnel are attacks on society at large, and those responsible must face justice to ensure Malawi’s democratic principles are respected.
