CDEDI pens Mwapasa on political violence, demands arrest of culprits

Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has asked the Acting Inspector General (IG) of Police Duncan Mwapasa to act on the ongoing sponsored political violence ahead of the fresh Presidential polls.

Recently the country has experience a spate of political violence perpetrated by youth cadets from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) targeting opposition political parties specifically UTM supporters.

The recent attack being the torching of UTM offices in the capital Lilongwe were two members of the same family were burnt to death.

Despite the attacks, the law enforcers have remained silent on the matter attracting public outcry from the general public.

In letter addressed to Mwapasa seen by Faceofmalawi publication, CDEDI Acting Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa questioned the police silence on the matter.

“CDEDI writes to remind you Sir that Malawi Police is for all Malawians regardless of political, ethical, religious affiliations. Secondly, we would like to politely remind you Sir, that you are not the first officer to hold the post, and neither will you be the last. Inspector Generals just like ruling parties come and go! But Malawians are, and will be there!” reads in part the letter.

He added: “It is against this background that CDEDI is giving you ten (10) days to investigate and arrest those responsible for the incidents as chronicled above and such other related incidences reported in different police establishments across the country. Should this fall on deaf ears, CDEDI will not hesitate but drag you in your personal capacity as Mr. Duncan Mwapasa to court for criminal negligence in line with Section 121 of the Penal Code chapter 7:01 of Laws of Malawi.

“CDEDI will demand from the Malawi Courts that you should be arrested, charged, prosecuted on negligence of duty because deliberate negligence of duty is a crime in Malawi. You will be prosecuted under section 83 of Criminal Procedure and Evidence Code chapter 8:01of the Laws of Malawi. You are oppressing Malawi Police Officers by telling them not to investigate cases where the Political Party DPP is concerned. That is clear deliberate negligence of duty. We will make sure you are prosecuted, convicted and removed from office as Acting Inspector General of police.”

Meanwhile Mwapasa is yet to respond on the matter.