The opposition block in Parliament has called on President Lazarus Chakwera to fire Police Inspector General Merlyne Yolamu.
The calls were made today in parliament after Leader of the House Richard Chimwendo Banda who is also Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General distanced themselves from violence against peaceful demonstrators.
Chimwendo Banda said the youths who have been preventing Civil Society Organizations demonstrations last month were not affiliated to the MCP.
“Those were vendors who are trying to protect their property because those demonstrators were carrying ‘lets burn Lilongwe’ banners” said Chimwendo Banda.
But in reaction, Leader of Opposition Dr. George Chaponda trashed the remarks saying it clearly indicates how the Police IG has failed to handle the police system in the country.
“The constitutional rights have been eroded. We noticed that on 14th November and 24th November when MCP sponsored panga-wilding persons prevented CSO’s demonstrations”
“This Government had promised Malawians that they will provide peace in this country but this is not happening, instead they are terrorizing everyone opposing them. That’s why we’re calling for her resignation or firing” said Chaponda.
United Democratic Front (UDF) registlator for Machinga East Esther Jolobala concurred with Chaponda, saying the position has proved to be too heavy for the current IG.
“Police is there to protect citizens, but when citizens starts protecting themselves that shows a failed service. She must resign or be fired because she doesn’t know how to handle such scenarios”
The calls comes barely few days after Yolumu announced the arrests of some men on suspicion that they terrorized anti-government demonstrations.
