LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Leader of Opposition Simplex Chithyola has expressed deep concern over reports of police brutality and what he described as “systematic harassment” of 15 individuals recently arrested and allegedly re-arrested without proper case consolidation.

Speaking in Parliament, Chithyola said it was “regrettably shocking” to hear that the detainees were being mistreated in police custody.

He accused law enforcement agencies of violating human rights and fundamental freedoms.

“Mr Speaker Sir, are we transforming this country into a police state?” he asked. “We have intel that the accused are being physically harassed and assaulted while in custody.”

The opposition leader drew comparisons with incidents under the former DPP administration, where, he said, no arrests were made despite several violent occurrences.

During our time,” Chithyola recalled, “a man was killed in Ndirande there were no arrests. Another was killed in Phalombe still, no arrests. The Presidential convoy was stoned in Chikwawa and Ndirande no arrests.

“Even when MCP supporters were harassed in Thyolo during the commissioning of district offices, no one was detained. Activist Billy Mayaya was assaulted in full view of the police, yet no action was taken.”

Chithyola further questioned the “deafening silence” of Development Partners, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and faith-based institutions on the recent human rights concerns.

“Why are our development partners silent? Why are the CSOs and Human Rights Organizations not speaking out? Why are the churches quiet?” he queried.

The opposition leader also reminded Parliament of unresolved high-profile cases, including the deaths of Robert Chasowa, Issa Njaunju, and the Tambala family, saying no tangible progress had been made to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“Can the DPP government, with the same vigour and energy used in arresting political opponents, investigate and bring to book those behind these tragic incidents including the recent assault of Mr. Kasakula at MBC?” Chithyola asked.

Turning to governance and service delivery, Chithyola lamented the persistence of social challenges such as fuel shortages, power blackouts, and water supply interruptions, despite government promises to address them.

He also condemned political victimization within the public service, warning that Malawians should not bear the cost of unjust suspensions and dismissals.

“As per President Peter Mutharika’s own pronouncements in the State of the Nation Address, we must unite in pursuit of socio-economic and governance needs,” he said.

In his closing remarks, Chithyola pledged that the opposition would continue to play a constructive role in national development.

“Mr Speaker Sir, let me assure this House that the opposition will not oppose for the sake of opposing. We will offer constructive alternatives, support policies that serve the national interest, and work towards a Malawi that is united, prosperous, and just.”

Echoing the same concerns, Member of Parliament for Zomba Malosa, Grace Mkwelepeta, criticized the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) for expressing outrage over the recent arrests, saying the party had turned a blind eye to similar acts of lawlessness during its own tenure.

“The MCP should not be overly concerned about the current arrests,”

“When they failed to act against the same gangs who invaded Parliament during the administration of former President Lazarus Chakwera,”said Mkwelepeta.

The Maravi Post