DPP Links MCP Thugs to Chakwera Convoy Attack

The governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has linked Malawi Congress Party (MCP) thugs to an attack on former president Lazarus Chakwera’s convoy and those of other opposition officials during violence at Henry Henderson Institute (HHI) in Blantyre on Sunday.

DPP spokesperson Shadric Namalomba has dismissed allegations implicating his party in the incident, suggesting that internal divisions within the MCP could be behind the violence.

“We do not have any business with them. I mean, why should DPP attack them? They need to check within their party,” Namalomba said.

The incident occurred at the entrance to HHI, where MCP officials had gathered for the CCAP Blantyre Synod’s 150th anniversary thanksgiving service.

MCP spokesperson Jessie Kabwila alleged that suspected attackers targeted convoys belonging to party officials as they arrived at the venue. She said the party had reported the matter to police and called for increased security for its leadership and members.

Kabwila confirmed to The Nation that convoys belonging to her, MCP campaign director Moses Kunkuyu and Kelvin Mpekansambo were affected.

MCP southern region publicity secretary Enphraim Banda said four vehicles were stoned, including one belonging to Kunkuyu.

However, Blantyre Police Officer-in-Charge Davie Chilalire said Chakwera’s convoy was not stoned, explaining that the reported attack occurred after the former president’s convoy had already entered the church premises.

Police have launched an investigation into the reported vehicle damage.

According to Nation Online, Nation Publications Limited photojournalist Francis Chamasowa and Transworld Radio journalist Francis Nkawihe were also manhandled after taking pictures of the confrontation.

The attackers reportedly ordered them to delete the images.

Chakwera attended the thanksgiving service with his wife, Monica, while Foreign Affairs Minister George Chaponda represented President Peter Mutharika at the celebrations.

Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.