By Duncan Mlanjira
Kamuzu Academy Alumni Association have asked the authorities to appoint an independent commission of inquiry in the investigation of alleged sexual and physical assault by a group of uniformed Police personnel innocent women and girls of Msundwe, M’bwatalika and Mpingu.
In a press statement, the Alumni — while applauding the authorities following the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry by the Police to look into their own conduct — strongly feel that there is need for an independent panel to be chaired by a reputable and independent retired Judge, both for impartiality and credibility.
Demonstrations against Ansah
“Else, this will be seen as an exercise in an establishment whitewash, cover up and a continuity of the perceived entrenched impunity in our public institutions,” says the statement.
“We are aware that several such inquiries have not yielded much in the past and there is a strong suspicion that this inquiry could very well be a smokescreen.
“As this is a human rights issue, we are of the strong view that an Independent Commission of Inquiry is the way to go, supervised by the Malawi Human Rights Commission as per their mandate.
Police clash with protesters
“Malawi has a long history of being an oasis of peace in our region. We are appealing to the State President to take charge of the worsening security situation in the country and demonstrate leadership.
“The country is looking up to you to restore order and put an end to the insecurity that is on the verge of ruining the reputation of our beautiful country as the Warm Heart of Africa.
The Kamuzu Academy Alumni have joined the public, the civil society organisations, the legal fraternity et al in condemning the violence being meted out between state agents and rioting citizens during political demonstrations in our the towns and cities of the country over the past few months.
Police and the MDF asked to respond responsibly
They Alumni say the right to protest is firmly provided for in the Constitution of the Republic and has consistently been upheld by the Supreme Court against attempts by the Attorney General to frustrate the right of Malawians to hold demonstrations.
“We further condemn any violence against security agents including the police and call on the authorities to provide attested police servicemen the necessary professional police training and equipment for various policing assignments including riot management.
Protests, the right for all
“The police have come out ill equipped, without adequate personnel protective equipment (PPE) and seemingly untrained to professionally manage crowds and riots amidst rumors that the Police Service is infiltrated with partisan units.
“As a result, they have indiscriminately used tear gas and used other unconventional actions including sexual assaults and rape.
“We would particularly like to express our profound sadness, shock and horror following the sexual and physical assault by a group of uniformed Police personnel on the hardworking and innocent women and girls of Msundwe, M’bwatalika and Mpingu as they were hiding in their own villages and homes after running away from the violence.
“These are unacceptable acts of violence against women ostensibly sponsored by the state.
“This is unfortunate, deplorable and an atrocious act of infamy particularly given that Malawi is a signatory to so many international and regional human rights and gender equality protocols aimed at stamping out acts of violence against women and girls.”
The statement further says Malawian citizens expect the police to protect life, prevent crime, investigate offences and catch criminals as well as maintaining public order without taking sides.
“This is why this heinous act is particularly beyond the pale and of great concern to us as citizens of this country.
“There is evidence that police brutality, motivated ostensibly by partisan interests and inadequate capacity to handle public riots, are primarily responsible for fueling the escalating violence in the country.
“There are justifiable fears that the sexual attacks by the police may have exposed the targeted women to the risks of HIV/Aids infections and most certainly unwanted pregnancies.
“These women and their families deserve unconditional post- traumatic support and justice from the state.”
“The current prevailing situation cannot be allowed to continue unaddressed.
“You are reminded that the world is watching. Malawians are watching and waiting. God bless our beautiful peaceful country,” says the statement.