Police tighten security after demo

The police will continue monitoring and patrolling the three major cities for the next three days after the street demonstrations.

Southern region police spokesperson Nicholas Gondwa said the move is aimed at preventing some criminals from terrorising residents and traders under pretext of the demonstrations which were just for a day.

“We have deployed police officers in all government locations and other vulnerable to tighten up security. People should therefore be assured that their security will be tightened up to three days ahead,” said Gondwa.

Malawians on Thursday showed their resolve by bringing to the attention of the government their concerns and the need to improve their social welfare currently heavily compromised by the tough economic conditions.

This was done through peaceful demonstrations and presentation of petitions in Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu championed by the Consumers Association of Malawi boss John Kapito.

The organizers of the protests have since given President Joyce Banda 21 days to address the concerns contained in a seven point petition, or they will hold a vigil at the statehouse.

MACRA questioned

The government has denied authorizing the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority to bar private radio stations from covering live the street demonstrations.

The statement from MACRA made available to the media on Wednesday night directed that radio stations should desist from covering live the demonstrations to avoid perpetuating violence.

But Information and Civic Education minister Moses Kunkuyu told the media that he was not aware of the directive from MACRA.