Police denies assaulting Joshua Chisa Mbele in custody as human rights commission institutes investigations

Reacting to alleged physical assault of social media activist Joshua Chisa Mbele by police, the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has said it has instituted investigations on the matter.

According to a press statement issued by the commission found on their Facebook page, the alleged Chisa Mbele’s assault “raises violations of the following rights as guaranteed by the Constitution of Malawi: Right to human dignity and personal liberty (Section 19) and Right to a fair and lawful detention (Section 42).”

Yesterday, Chisa Mbele’s lawyer told the media that his client was assaulted by police adding that his mobile was smashed. Democratic progressive Party (DPP) councilor Leonard Chimbanga also concurred with the lawyers that he saw the bruises of Chisa Mbele when he visited him yesterday at Namitete police station.

The commission has therefore said it has commenced investigations after visiting Chisa Mbele and others who are currently in custody.

“The Commission will establish through its investigations what transpired. The Commission commenced its investigations today by visiting Mr. Mbele and other demonstrators at Namitete police station. The Commission expects cooperation from those in authority and any other relevant stakeholders as it continues with its investigations,” read part of the statement.

However, the police have denied reports of the alleged physical assault on Chisa Mbele and his counterparts.