By Burnett Munthali
Tensions escalated further in Lilongwe during ongoing anti-MEC protests as activist Sylvester Namiwa was physically assaulted by unidentified men while security forces stood by without intervening.
The shocking incident occurred in full public view, as men in an unregistered Toyota Fortuner vehicle manhandled Namiwa and tore his clothes.
Eyewitnesses, including Nation Online reporters, confirmed that the attack took place just metres away from officers of the Malawi Police Service and Malawi Defence Force (MDF), who did not intervene.
Despite being visibly distressed and calling out for help, Namiwa received no protection from the security officers deployed at the scene.
In a desperate plea, Namiwa was heard shouting: “Akulu akulu, dzikoli lafika pamenepa? A polisi, mukundisiya anthu awa apange nane zimene akufuna? Ndithandizeni!”
The translated outcry—“Has this country really come to this? Officers, are you just letting these people do whatever they want to me? Help me!”—echoed throughout the tense crowd.
Instead of shielding him, police officers reportedly stepped back or moved sideways whenever Namiwa tried to seek refuge among them.
Meanwhile, MDF soldiers stationed on top of nearby armoured vehicles were seen fidgeting with their firearms, but made no attempt to stop the assailants or assist the embattled activist.
The lack of action from both police and army personnel has sparked outrage among the public, civil society organisations, and political commentators.
The incident raises serious concerns about selective protection, political intimidation, and the role of state security agencies in safeguarding all citizens—regardless of their political affiliations or activism.
As the 2025 general elections draw nearer, the attack on Namiwa adds to the growing list of grievances from opposition groups and democracy advocates who accuse the government of silencing dissent through intimidation and inaction.
Nation Online’s coverage of the incident, backed by images from photojournalist Jacob Nankhonya, provides visual evidence of the disturbing reality faced by activists in Malawi’s increasingly volatile political climate.
The public now demands accountability—not only from the perpetrators of the assault—but also from the uniformed officers who chose silence over duty.
