Police have launched a manhunt for suspects who have been attacking priests who are allegedly against the leadership of embattled Bishop Brighton Malasa of the Anglican Diocese of Upper Shire.

A taskforce comprised of church members and the clergy has been calling for his resignation for alleged corruption and mismanagement of funds.

Over the weekend, a minibus carrying a group of alleged Bishop Malasa’s sympathisers invaded houses of priests who have publicly spoken against his leadership.

The group which was armed with panga knives invaded the houses of Rev. Fr. Atile Bvumbwe of Liwonde Parish in Machinga, Rev. Fr. Captain Mphatso Bango of M’mangasi Parish in Balaka and Rev. Fr. Njalammanu Banda of Mpinganjira Parish in Mangochi district.

Fr. Captain Bango told YFM in an interview that the group threatened that it will deal with him if he continues to oppose Bishop Malasa’s leadership.

Eastern Region Police Spokesperson Inspector Joseph Sauka confirmed to YFM in an interview on Tuesday that law enforcers in the districts of Balaka, Machinga and Mangochi have received complaints in relation to such attacks.

Sauka said the matter is currently under investigation.

“I cannot divulge more details as the matter is under investigation,” he said.

Bishop Malasa was not immediately available for comment as his mobile phone went unanswered despite several attempts.

Bishop Malasa has been facing resistance from majority of the priests and church members.

He was sent on forced leave by the church’s headquarters in England in May this year to pave way for an audit following allegations of mismanagement of funds.

The decision to send Bishop Malasa on leave was reached at the church’s episcopal conference in Zambia in December 2019.

The meeting was attended by fifteen bishops.