Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI), has given Malawi Police Inspector General (IG), Dr George Kainja, a period of 14 days to institute investigations in the concerns that the law enforcers in Mulanje and Thyolo districts are victimizing people more especially women, children and elderly, in the pretext of maintaining law and order amid the growing misunderstanding on land issues between the locals and tea estate owners.

CDEDI made the request through a press statement issued on September 21, 2021 and signed by its Executive Director, Sylvester Namiwa.

The statement cited an example of an incident which took place early this month, when Police in Mulanje went on rampage in Mikundi Village, Traditional Authority Mabuka’s area, where they demolished houses, beating up innocent villagers and throwing tear gas canisters, allegedly in an effort to deal with vandalising and stealing of Seyama Tea Estate property.

Reads part of the statement: “Surely, there is no justification of police using force on unarmed and helpless citizens; hence we at CDEDI regret the animosity that police in Mulanje have created between them and the estate owners on one side, and the villagers. We fear the unprofessional handling of the villagers over the said matter has potential to deny the area peace, which everyone desires.”

CDEDI also said it has noted what they called “shameless attempt” by Mulanje Police to let alleged looting and stealing of Seyama Tea Estate property overshadow the death of Dinala Chiponde, who was beaten by the estate’s security guards, allegedly after finding him stealing trees belonging to the estate.

It is reported that the deceased died while receiving medical treatment at Mulanje District Hospital on September 4, 2021.

CDEDI has further highlighted that they do not condone stealing, but categorically condemn the use of unwarranted force by the police to avoid losing more lives.