The chaotic scenes that marred a trip by President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera to Chikwawa on Thursday has caused Democratic Progressive party (DPP) Councillor for Blantyre City Soche East Ward Leonard Chimbanga to exchange better words with Malawi Ambassador to Japan Joseph Chikwemba on social media.
The fracas in Chikwawa on Thursday erupted following the uprooting of flags belonging to the opposition DPP and in retaliation villagers ganged up and pelted stones at the convoy of the President, according to the sources.
Writing on his official facebook page Chikwemba condemned the violence act, saying it has no place in the democratic country like Malawi.
“Malawi is a nation that truly values peace, and we stand by that conviction. Any incidents of political violence are the result of a few misguided individuals who believe they alone have the right to govern, disregarding the will of the people.
“We reject this undemocratic behavior in the strongest possible terms and reaffirm our commitment to upholding the peace and democracy that define our country,” wrote Chikwemba.
But the remarks did not please Chimbanga who said: “I wish these statements were coming out when HRDC and Chakwera were out destroying people’s properties and undressing Police officers including killing of Supretendant James Imedi during their violent protests in 2020.”
In retaliation to Chimbanga’s comment Chikwemba wrote: “Leonard Chimbanga I strongly denounce any form of political violence. This is not about shifting blame, but if we’re being truthful, we must acknowledge that your party, the DPP, has a history of orchestrating and sponsoring such acts. I shouldn’t have to remind you about the tragic death of the police officer in Thyolo district.”
MCP Publicity Secretary Jessie Kbawila is yet to comment on the matter.
Meanwhile, no one has been arrested in connection with the violence in Chikwawa which saw several government vehicles being damaged.
