The Malawi Police Service (MPS) is yet to arrest Human Right Defenders Coalition (HRDC) Chairperson Timothy Mtambo.

National Police Spokesperson James Kadadzera confirmed of the development in a statement made available to Faceofmalawi.

According to Kadadzera, the police have arrested Gift Trapence and Reverend MacDonald Sembeleka for calling upon people to seal all the State Residences.

“The Malawi Police Service (MPS) wishes to inform the nation that it has obtained a warrant of arrest against three leaders of the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) in relation to statements made during their press briefing at Cross Roads Hotel in Lilongwe on 6th March 2020.

“During the press briefing, they called upon people to seal all the State Residences. The three suspects are fully aware that section 103 of the Police Act prohibits any demonstrations or assemblies within a hundred metres from state residences unless the same have been permitted by the State President,” reads in part the statement.

He added: “This means that no one can seal a state residence unless they breach the provisions of section 103 of the Police Act. This provision has been brought to their attention previously when they attempted to demonstrate to the State Residence.

“The nation should also be informed that section 124 of the Penal Code prohibits any person to incite or solicit another to break any law. By inciting people to seal the State Residences on 25th March 2020, the three committed an offence under section 124 of the Penal Code.

“So far, Mr. Gift Trapence and Reverend MacDonald Sembeleka have been arrested. Mr. Timothy Mtambo is on the run and Police are looking for him. The three suspects will be brought before the court of law to be dealt with in accordance with the law. The Nation will be continuously updated on any development.”

Meanwhile Malawians are calling for the immediate release of the two.