MISA Malawi condemns assault of ZBS journalist David Chapita by DPP cadets

Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi-Chapter has condemned assault of Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) Cameraman David Chapita by suspected Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and United Democratic Front (UDF) supporters at the Lilongwe Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Chapita was at the Court to cover bail hearing of former President Peter Mutharika’s guard Norman Chisale.

But as he left the courtroom after chief resident magistrate Violet Chipawo adjourned proceedings to Friday for a ruling on a bail application by his lawyers, men in DPP and United Democratic Front (UDF) masks beat up Chapita for filming the event.

In a statement released to the press, MISA Malawi Chairperson Teresa Ndanga condemned the violent acts by the DPP cadets.

“MISA Malawi finds it unfortunate and appalling that some political party supporters including people holding high positions continue to attack journalists in their line of duty.

“We believe that some of these people continue to victimize journalists because of the failure to arrest, prosecute and hold perpetrators of media freedom violations to account,” reads in part the statement.

Ndanga has since asked the law enforcers to arrest the suspected DPP cadets.