Namiwa describes Blantyre DC’s action as threat to Democracy
The Executive Director for Centre for Democracy and Economic Development, Sylvester Namiwa has described the conduct of Blantyre District Commissioner, Burnet Mkasala as threat to Democracy in the country.
On Monday, the CDEDI boss was was sent out of the Stakeholders meeting the October 37th Anti-Government Demonstration organisers and the Blantyre District Commissioner, Burnet Mkasala at the DC’s office in Blantyre.
Namiwa says that the The District Commissioner told the meeting that bail conditions for the activist, who was arrested in Lilongwe last year for allegedly holding illegal demonstrations, do not permit him to attend the meeting, among other reasons.
Reacting to the conduct of the DC, Namiwa said the DC did not handle the case in a professional way.
“Honestly what the Blantyre District Commissioner has done is strange and uncalled for in the democratic country. When have they [DCs] started monitoring whether people are complying with bail conditions or not? Nonetheless, let me sieze this opportunity to put matter to rest my lawyers already objected in court the demands by police prosecutor Mangani who was praying to the court that I should no longer be involved in organising demonstrations. My lawyer Oscar Taulo told the court that doing so would be infringing constitutional rights and the court ruled in our favour.
”The same issue was raised during the similar meeting on Friday in Lilongwe. However, Lilongwe DC Dr. Palani handled it professionally since he asked me to remain behind after everything. The good thing is that Mangani the one who started the whole thing was there and I reminded them that the case was in a open court therefore we should just get hold of the judgement,” he added.
The meeting, however, continued with other organisers including Bon Kalindo saying the discussions were fruitful.
Joshua Chisa Mbele one of the Organisers of the Demonstrations, has indicated that the demonstrations in Lilongwe will go as planned and the destination remains State House and that the petition will be directly delivered in the hands of President Chakwera.
“Since the issues raised require executive powers to be resolved, the demonstrations in Lilongwe will start from the Lilongwe Community Ground passing through Mchesi, all the way to the Kamuzu Central Hospital Roundabout and parliament building via the Presidential drive up to the Kamuzu Palace, just 100 meters away from the palace’s main gate where a petition will be presented to President Chakwera.
“Malawians in their Millions are visiting President Chakwera. Not the DC. Millions to tell Chakwera that he has lost the mandate to govern this nation. We can’t be subjected to this kind of economic mismanagement, corruption, fraud & racketeering.
“We are aware that They are Using So Many Tactics. Spies operating like comrades. DCs creating confusions on dates & destinations. DC reminding Namiwa that he is on Bail. DC is not the Court. Fellow Malawians. Osaopa. Osafooka. Tiukayendera Chakwera.
“Let’s all match on State House in Millions as we deliver the petition . Tikamudziwe nayenso Akatidziwe as per our beautiful slogan. We are sick & tired of corrupt administration,” said Chisa.
