CDEDI presses panic button on arrest of Sylvester Namiwa

Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) claims police are keeping a tight lid on the whereabouts of its Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa following his arrest on Wednesday.

In a statement, CDEDI says the police silence on the matter continues raising panic and discomfort on his safety.

“While the other arrested officials are being held at Lumbadzi Police Station in Lilongwe, the whereabouts of Mr. Namiwa is not known. We have been to Lumbadzi, Lingadzi, Area 30, and Lilongwe Police Stations, but to no avail. Surprisingly, the police have kept a very tight lead on Mr. Namiwa’s whereabouts, a development that has caused panic and uncertainty, as regards Mr. Namiwa’s safety.

“CDEDI is, therefore, demanding the Malawi Police Service (MPS), to respect Mr. Namiwa’s rights, by disclosing his whereabouts, so that his family members, and all Malawians of good will can offer him moral support, especially at this time when he is going through very difficult time, and needs comfort,” reads in part the statement.

Meanwhile the law enforcers have quashed social media speculations that Namiwa is not felling well following his assault.

“ Mr Namiwa is still in police custody and in good health contrary to some social media reports that his life was in danger.

“Police is hereby warning Malawians to refrain from the tendency of circulating fake news,” reads in part the police statement signed by National Police spokesperson James Kadadzera.

Namiwa is scheduled to appear in court soon.