PRESIDENT DR JOYCE BANDA CONDEMNS THYOLO POLITICAL VIOLENCE

Her Excellency the State President Dr. Joyce Banda is shocked with acts of political violence as witnessed at Goliati Community Ground in Senior Chief Chimaliros area in Thyolo during the launch of electricity at Chimalira Health Centre, Mudzi Transformation Trust house in the area and a development rally presided over by Her Excellency Dr. Joyce Banda, President of the Republic of Malawi. After the meeting, two people were killed including one police officer, Supt. Cassim Julius (40years) from Kachulu Village T/A Bibikuluunda, Salima District; and Mr. Aaron Sawerengela (37 years) from Matope Village, T/A Nkalo, Chiradzulu District; and many more were badly injured at the scene including officers from Malawi Broadcasting Corporation. A lot of property was also damaged. Her Excellency the President condemns the political violence in its strongest terms. This act of brutal political cowardice undermines the democratic gains including political tolerance that this country has achieved since April 2012. Her Excellency the President believes in co-existence by all people living in the country irrespective of political differences, tribe, faith and gender. Her Excellency the President appeals to all Malawians including political parties to be tolerant to opposing views and use issue based campaign during the Tripartite Election Campaigns. Political Party Officials should be able to hold meetings side by side without any violence. The President is saddened by the killing of a Police Officer who was enforcing peace and calm, law and order. Information reaching State House indicates that this barbaric act was politically motivated. I am very saddened by the death of our two citizens. My Government will not tolerate such acts of political violence to distabilise the peaceful management of elections; and to threaten the peace and security of our people, said the President. Finally, Her Excellency the President has directed the law-enforcement agencies, including the police, to thoroughly investigate the Thyolo incident and that all those that are directly or indirectly involved should face the full wrath of the law. Elias Wakuda Kamanga SPECIAL ADVISOR TO THE PRESIDENT ON POLITICAL & COMMUNICATION AFFAIRS March 17, 2014