POLICE BEATS UP BNL JOURNALIST

Blantyre Newspapers Limited (BNL) journalist Archibald Kasakura had a rude awakening on Tuesday as police manhandled and arrested him as he was taking pictures of police chasing vendors in Limbe.

Kasakura was later granted bail after BNL lawyer Innocent Kalua went to intervene on the matter.

confirming the development in an interview with FaceofMalawi, Kalua said Kasakula been charged with “obstructing a police officer on duty”.

On his part, Malawi Institute for Southern Africa (Misa) Chairperson Anthony Kasunda said he was sadden with the news and has promised to get to the bottom of the matter.

“This is an uncalled for. We expect the police to be a reformed service and protect the society and the members of the media in their line of duty.

“Beating up reporters and treating them as criminals is barbaric, retrogressive and defeats the spirit of a reformed Police. We would like to remind the Police that mutual respect and a spirit of partnership between the Police and the media is the only way that Malawi can develop and promote peace and security”, said Kasunda.

Kasakura who is currently on bail is reportedly to have sustained some bruises and swollen face as the police officers pounced on him for taking pictures.