The Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) and Youth and Society (YAS) have called for independent investigations into what they call extrajudicial killings by the country`s police. 

In a joint statement, CHRR and YAS have cited the recent fatal shooting of a Polytechnic Student Blessings Nyondo as an example of continued culture of impunity by the law enforcing agency.

“CHRR and YAS condemn these incidents in the strongest terms possible. We call upon the Chakwera Administration to establish an independent investigation into these cases.

“And to hold perpetrators accountable in order to do justice for victims and to prevent reoccurrence of violations,” reads the statement.

The two human rights lobby group have emphasised on the need for authorities to walk the talk on holding perpetrators of such killings accountable in order to do justice for victims and to prevent reoccurrence of violations in the future.

“We also call upon the government to investigate promptly, effectively, thoroughly and independently all extrajudicial killings that have happened in recent times with the aim of identifying those responsible and bringing them to justice,” demanded CHRR Executive Director Michael Kaiyatsa and his YAS counterpart Charles Kajoloweka.

The duo have also expressed a worry over everlasting investigations by the Police, which they say it is a matter of concern.

“We are equally concerned about the lack of progress in the case of Usuman Imedi, a police officer who was brutally killed by a mob at Msundwe on 8 October 2019. It is extremely concerning that 15 months after the incident, no one has been held to account for his death.

“We are further concerned with the lack of progress in the cases concerning the killings of Justin Phiri, Issa Njaunju and Polytechnic student, Robert Chasowa,” reads the joint statement.