Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi Chapter has condemned the assault of journalist Macmillan Mozeyo of Ufulu FM by four unknown people in Chikwawa on the night of Wednesday, April 22, 2020.
Mozeyo was attacked a few metres from his house. It is alleged that the unknown people are suspected Democratic progressive Party (DPP) cadets.
According to Mozeyo, the attackers were referring to a story he authored in which a Covid19 patient expressed concern on how health officials handled his case.
Mozeyo, who sustained a cut on the forehead, told MISA Malawi that the attackers accused him of damaging government’s image.
“MISA Malawi is dismayed that journalists continue to come under attack in Malawi. It is even more worrying that the identities of the attackers are still not known, a development that creates fear for the journalist and others within the district and beyond,” reads in part the statement.
Added the statement signed by MISA Malawi Chairperson Teresa Ndanga: “We wish to reiterate that journalism is not a crime and call upon Malawians to respect the principles of afree press as guaranteed in the Malawi constitution.”
Ndanga has since appealed to law enforcers to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to book.