Govt furious with rumours that President Mutharika is critically ill: Warn perpetrators

Government has threatened to deal with anyone spreading rumours that President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika is critically ill.

Minister of Information and Communications Malisoni Ndau sounded the warning in a statement released on Sunday made available to faceofMalawi.

While warning perpetrators that will be brought to book once caught, Ndau branded the rumours as baseless, malicious and sickening.

“Government is reminding all Malawians that whilst the laws of this country provide for freedom of expression, those rights ought to be exercised responsibly and within the law.

“Spreading false rumours about the health of the President is a criminal offense and unless this behaviour stops forthwith, Government will not hesitate to bring to book those responsible for this irresponsible, malicious and damaging rumour-mongering which is clearly aimed at spreading fear and panic among law abiding Malawians,” said Ndau.

Ndau said President Mutharika is in good health and that he continuing to carry on his functions and duties whilst in the USA.

“We would like to remind all Malawians that in response to the so many inquiries as to what the President is doing in the USA, the Presidential Press Secretary, Mr. Mgeme Kalirani, has repeatedly stated that the President is continuing to carry out other duties which could not be concluded whilst he was at the United Nations General Assembly.

“This information was released by the State House to the public for those who genuinely desired to know the truth. If this information released by the information holders cannot be accepted by those who postulate to disseminate news, then it indicates a very serious appetite for rumour mongering in our society,” added Ndau.

Meanwhile Ndau has failed to disclose the day when President Mutharika will be returning to Malawi.