Police block DPP rallies

Police on Wednesday blocked Democratic Progressive Party interim President, Professor Peter Mutharika, from addressing his supporters during his whistle stop rallies at various places in Ntcheu district on his way to Blantyre.

Professor Mutharika’s Personal Assistant, Mr. Ben Phiri described the move by the police as unfortunate.

“We got clearance to conduct whistle stops at Ntcheu, Chingeni, Phalula, and Lunzu, but we got shocked when we were told by the police at Ntcheu that they had received instructions from above to not to allow Professor Mutharika address DPP supporters, ” Phiri said.

“The same thing happened at Chingeni , Phalula and Lunzu.”

The Professor Mutharika’s PA said they had to calm down their supporters who were angry with the development.

But Ntcheu Police Public Relations Officer Gift Matewere said they stopped the rallies to maintain peace.

The Ntcheu Police Public Relations Officer said the police wanted to maintain peace, without elaborating.

Professor Mutharika, alongside other top party officials, are on court bail after being charged with treason.