MISA Malawi says it is concerned over reports of the seizure of mobile phones and laptops belonging to Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) journalists who are being suspected of running a fake MBC Facebook Page.

According to MBC management, police are conducting the investigation independently and the authorities have not provided any names of journalists to be subjected to the investigation.

But reacting to the development, MISA Malawi chairperson Golden Matonga has told YFM that while the law enforcement agency has every right to use lawful means to investigate any matter, MBC has a right to ensure its corporate identity is not abused.

Matonga said: “MISA Malawi is concerned because the development raises a number of serious questions. Police have confiscated mobile phones and laptops from a number of MBC journalists across the country. The question is, how are these journalists being identified?

“What measures have been put in place to ensure that the identity of the sources of these journalists is protected? Correspondence between journalists and their sources is privileged information under Section 32(c) of the Access to Information (ATI) Act.”

Matonga added that MBC management and Malawi Police Service should carry out the said investigations without any malice, prejudice or political inclinations.

“Without claiming immunity, the investigative process should be conducted sincerely and without abusing or torturing employees. We emphasize that we do not condone any criminal activities involving journalists.

“However, during investigations, it is crucial for the police to respect the right to privacy and confidentiality of journalists and sources,” Matonga said.

The media body has since established that a number of MBC journalists are being investigated for alleged offenses committed under the Electronic Transactions and Cybersecurity Act following a complaint by MBC Management.