There are scathing allegations that some government ministers are sponsoring thugs to disrupt demonstrations pushing for the removal of presidential immunity from prosecution.
Hours before the Tuesday protests in Blantyre, Leader of the Concerned Citizens, Steve Chimwaza insists the ministers are equipping some people with panga knives to counter the demos.
But Government spokesperson, Gospel Kazako thinks these allegations are without evidence.
“This is one of the many allegations made against this government whose evidence is not provided by those propelling,” says Kazako.
In the Lilongwe cancelled protests last week, some business owners allegedly hired some men with panga knives to guard against their premises against any potential looting by the protesters.
This created heated debate on the role of the country’s security agencies in safeguarding life and property; with some quarters fearing it would turn nasty and create a state of anarchy.
But what’s the government position on this matter?
Kazako again: “Don’t drag government to comment on an issue that, as you are saying, was done by private business people who decided to protect their property.”
Some of the recent demonstrations have turned violent with protesters ransacking shops; almost a replica of some protests pushing for electoral justice during the nullified controversial 2019 presidential elections.
{Picture: Some men with panga knives in Lilongwe ready to protect their business from potential looters
