MCP Condemns Arrest of 17 Zikwanje Gang Suspects, Calls It Political Persecution

The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has strongly condemned the recent arrest and re-arrest of 17 individuals linked to cases of political violence, describing the move as politically motivated and an abuse of state power.

Speaking in Lilongwe, MCP spokesperson Jessie Kabwila accused authorities of using the police to silence dissenting voices, claiming that six of the suspects were beaten while in police custody on the night of November 3, 2025.

Kabwila called for an immediate and independent investigation by human rights watchdogs, including the Malawi Human Rights Commission, the Office of the Ombudsman, and other civil society organizations.

The MCP has also demanded that all charges against the suspects be consolidated and heard at once, arguing that the current piecemeal handling of the cases is meant to intimidate and demoralize both the accused and their families.

Kabwila further criticized the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for prioritizing political arrests over solving the country’s economic and social challenges.

“Malawians are struggling with rising prices, endless fuel queues, power blackouts, and water shortages  yet the government is busy arresting its opponents,” Kabwila said.

Times360Malawi