CHAKHWANTHA RELEASED ON BAIL, CHARGED WITH TREASON

Police in the capital Lilongwe have released on Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Lilongwe North East Member of Parliament, Louis Peter Chankhwantha after charging him of ‘treason’ for allegedly taking part in the conversation on WhatsApp that purportedly aimed at how to oust President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika.

Chakhwantha handed himself to Police on Tuesday after staying in hiding for two days at Germany Embassy in the capital.

This is the third MCP officials to be arrested with other victims being Jessie Kabwila and Ulemu Msungama.

According to his lawyer Gustav Kaliwo, who is also MCP secretary general, Chankhwantha is expected to report to police headquarters this Friday.

Earlier in the day, Speaker of National Assembly Richard Msowoya suspended deliberations citing security threats and the house is expected to resume sitting today Wednesday at around 2pm.

Meanwhile activist have faulted government for arresting MCP members, saying this is an intimidation aiming at suppressing opposition MPs from voicing out the challenges rocking the country in the August House.