Malawi Police have arrested another four cops have bin the capital Lilonnge in connection with the deaths of 20 people in Mzuzu during the July 20, 2011 nationwide anti-government demonstrations.
They four were arrested Wednesday, three days after the arrest of five police officers in Blantyre in connection of the deaths of two people during the same protests.
National Police Headquarters deputy spokesperson Kelvin Maigwaconfirmed the Lilongwe arrests and identified the officers as Sub-Inspector Kamwala of Lumbadzi Police Station, Sergeant Makokezi of B Company, Sergeant Kanyama from Mchinji and Constable Lobo of Kawale Police Station.
Maigwa said they face charges of murder.
The five police officers, who were arrested on Sunday in Blantyre, were expected to appear in court Wednesday. They were being kept at Ndirande Police Sub-station.
Lawyer Lusungu Gondwe is representing the five arrested officers identified as Kelvin Nyirenda, Paul Mussa, Mahomed Kulusinje, Lemekezo Mikuti and Benedicto Dzombe, all from Ndirande Police Sub-station.
Twenty people died during the demonstrations after police opened fire as unarmed citizens took to the streets to protest against the country’s worsening economic situation and fears that the Mutharika regime was curtailing rights.
The results of a commission of Inquiry appointed by President Bingu wa Mutharika – he died in April last year – came out in July 2012 and faulted police for the deaths of the civilians and called for investigation and prosecution of those involved.
