The ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and the main opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) seem to be in a competition on which party has “killed” more people than the other.
Of late, the two party’s have been releasing statements detailing questionable murders of people suspected to be of the opposing side.
On Monday, MCP released a statement accusing the DPP of murdering the party’s director of youth for Ndirande Malabada, Mabvuto Chimwaza, who was commonly known as Shushe.
Chimwaza’s lifeless body was discovered on the morning of Saturday, October 19, 2024, in Ndirande township, Blantyre.
“It is evident that this heinous act stems from the incitement by DPP’s Regional Governor for the East, Duud Chikwanje, who, in September, urged DPP supporters to kill any MCP supporter. We also recall the alarming remarks made earlier this month by DPP spokesperson Shadreck Namalomba during a press briefing, where he claimed that DPP’s Director of Youth, Norman Chisale, knew the residences and locations of MCP supporters. Clearly, the DPP has followed through on these dangerous threats with tragic consequences.
“Malawians vividly remember the brutal atrocities committed under the DPP, including the mysterious deaths of individuals like Robert Chasowa and Issa Njauju, as well as the horrific torching of a family in Lilongwe. The nation has not forgotten the arson attacks on homes, offices, and markets, nor the brutal killings of people with albinism. The resurgence of these incidents. Ndirande in Blantyre connected with so many threats coming from DPP officials is a clear testimony that the party has not changed and does not subscribe to peaceful coexistence of political parties.
“It is clear that for DPP, violence is a policy they believe in and abide by. It is unfortunate that the violence is perpetuated by the executive management of DPP, negatively impacting Malawians of all walks of life. In view of this, and following the brutal killing Mabvuto Chimwaza, Director of Youth for Ndirande Malabada Ward, Malawi Congress Party is making the following,” reads part of the statement signed by MCP publicity secretary Jessie Kabwila.
Reacting to the statement, DPP presidential spokesperson and national publicity secretary Shadric Namalomba said MCP is behind a series of gruesome deaths in recent past.
“Recently, the MCP has made headlines for their involvement in the death of their Constituency Youth Director, Mabvuto Chimwaza, in Malabada, Ndirande. It is reported that Mr Chimwaza was targeted for supporting one of the Secretary General aspirants who ultimately lost in the MCP convention. It is indeed alarming that one’s political affiliations can result in a brutal and untimely death at the hands of the MCP. Yet MCP wants to accuse the DPP seniors members of this death.
“It is no secret that the MCP has a history of resorting to violence to achieve their political goals. Even the late Hon Sidik Mia, who was a vice president of their party, was not spared from their vicious attacks. His mysterious death, which has been linked to stage COVID related causes, leaves behind unanswered questions and a nation in mourning.
“But the violence does not stop there. It is believed that the MCP played a role in the odious death of the Vice President, Rt Hon Saulos Klaus Chilima and eight other Malawians through a staged plane crash. This is not the first time that the MCP has been implicated in such a tragic incident. In fact, the party has a dark past of brutally slaughtering political opponents, including Hon Matenje, Gadama, Sangala, and Chiwanga on that fateful day of 18th May, 1983 in Thambani, Mwanza. And lest we forget the Catholic Bishops in 1992 who narrowly escaped their brutal hands for authoring the famous Pastoral Letter.
What is even more concerning is the MCP’s involvement in the killing of albinos, which they used as a means to gain power during their five-years in opposition. However, as soon as they came into government, the MCP conveniently abandoned their program, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and grieving families. The lack of accountability and transparency from the party’s leadership is deeply troubling,” reads part of the letter
Namalomba said it was not fair for the MCP to be demanding the resignation of DPP’s senior members ye, it turns a blind eye to the atrocities committed by their own members.
“It is hypocritical and unacceptable, especially when the death toll includes not only political opponents but also innocent civilians and police officers. As the DPP, we firmly believe in the rule of law and justice for all. We have continuously called upon the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the culprits behind these murders to justice. We do not condone violence in any form and stand against anyone who tries to disrupt the peace and stability of our nation.
“It is time for the MCP to take responsibility for their actions and stop playing the victim card. They are now in government and it is their duty to lead and govern with integrity and accountability. It is time for them to stop silencing critics and unleashing poverty and hunger on Malawians. The people deserve better and they must demand it from their leaders,” reads part of the statement
