LILONGWE — Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Hon. Simplex Chithyola Banda, has accused the Malawi Police Service of subjecting Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa to inhumane treatment while in custody, describing the incident as a serious threat to the country’s democratic values.

Raising the matter in Parliament on Friday morning, Chithyola Banda alleged that Namiwa, who was arrested on Thursday afternoon, has been denied basic rights, including access to food, legal representation and the opportunity to pray.Calm in the storm — Simplex Chithyola Banda speaks with clarity, not ambition

The opposition leader claimed that people who attempted to deliver food to Namiwa were turned away by police officers. He further said he personally waited for more than an hour before being granted access to see the detained activist.

According to Chithyola Banda, police also refused his request to pray with Namiwa, allegedly informing him that they had received instructions not to allow prayers while the activist remained in custody.

He warned that such actions risk undermining Malawi’s democratic credentials, arguing that the country is gradually becoming “a police state and a banana republic” where law enforcement agencies are being used to silence government critics.Chakwera Deserves Another Term – Says Finance Minister Chithyola, as MCP Gains New Members

Chithyola Banda described Namiwa’s continued detention under the reported conditions as a blow to democracy and the rule of law. He called on authorities to either release the CDEDI Executive Director immediately or bring him before the courts without further delay.

The Opposition Leader also appealed to the Malawi Human Rights Commission and Inspector General of Police to urgently investigate the allegations surrounding Namiwa’s treatment in custody and ensure that his constitutional rights are fully respected.Chithyola calls for progressive performance among SOEs

Police had not publicly responded to the allegations by the time Parliament was debating the matter.