Malawi journalist arrested over Tanzania envoy report

Police in Blantyre have arrested journalist Justice Mponda who writes for Malawi Voice online, on allegations of publishing false stories and insulting president Joyce Banda.

“We arrested the journalist, Justice Mponda, who writes for Malawi Voice an online publication, and corresponds for Blantyre Newspapers Limited, around 5 am today,” said southern region police assistant superintendent Gondwa.

“He has been arrested on three charges, that of insulting the president, publishing false stories and criminal libel,” added Superintendent Gondwa.

He said the arrest relates to a story published on Malawi Voice, an online publication which said that President Joyce Banda was contemplating on resigning, as well as another story which said Malawi had expelled a Tanzanian envoy over Lake Malawi comments.

The Tanzanian envoy denied he has received any orders to leave the country and it is reported that these stories are commissioned by the former ruling party the DPP.

Meanwhile, the Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi chapter said it is monitoring the developments.