By Memory Kutengule – Mana

Malawi Police Service (MPS) says it is investigating perpetrators of violence who assaulted former Minister of Homeland and Internal Security, Nicholas Dausi last Friday at Malawi Electoral Commission premises in Blantyre.

Inspector General of Police, Rodney Jose said this on Monday in Blantyre during a press briefing organized to update the nation on security measures police has put in place to curb cases of political violence in the country.

Jose said MPS is aware of increased political violence that are taking place in all corners of the country and that the police has teamed up with Malawi Defense Force to step up security in all hotspots of violence and criminal acts to protect people’s lives and property.

“Our work is to defend the Constitution of Malawi; thus protecting and securing lives and people’s property. However, MPS has noted with great concern an increase in cases of politically motivated violence and disorder as the nation awaits the release of official results for the presidential election,” Jose said.

“One of such violence is that of Honourable Dausi who was assaulted by unknown people. MPS would like to condemn the malpractice in the most strongest term. I must hasten to say that right now, the police is investigating the issue involving the assault of Dausi to bring all culprits to book,” he added.

Jose, therefore, cautioned political party members to desist from mounting roadblocks in an alleged attempt to check evidence of rigging.

“There is a report that Abida Mia, wife to a former legislature, Sidik Mia is mounting roadblocks in undesignated places without the knowledge of police officers. I must say that it is wrong for any citizen to mount a roadblock because it the duty and responsibility of police alone. As such, if caught, the law of the land will take its course,” he warned.