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Phoya under death threat
By
Gedion Munthali - 23-04-2003 |
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Former Attorney General and Justice Minister Henry Phoya is fearing for his life after being warned about a plot to eliminate him.
Sources said yesterday Phoya has been in hiding since Easter Holidays when he reportedly received death threats through anonymous callers on both his and his wife’s mobile phones.
“Actually he went missing over Easter and some of his family members were very worried about his well being,” said the source who chose to remain anonymous.
When asked about the rumours, a reluctant-sounding and subdued Phoya said: “I have, indeed, gotten wind of the rumours. The first time I heard about it was when I was in Mangochi with my family over Easter weekend.
“A close family friend phoned me and asked if I was alright. He then told me that there was a plot for my physical elimination,” said Phoya.
Phoya was dropped from Cabinet two weeks ago having served as minister for close to a year.
He replaced Peter Fachi, now Attorney General, during a period of legal gymnastics and political heat arising from an unsuccessful UDF bid to extend presidential terms from two to three.
Asked what offence he may have committed to justify the threats, Phoya said:
“I am at pains to understand what wrong I might have committed to warrant such action against my life. I know that there is speculation going on out there concerning my position, but be rest assured that I did not commit any wrong. No wrong at all.”
Phoya said two weeks ago he was not bitter to be dropped from cabinet where he served since last year, adding that he would only be bitter if the nation judged him as having failed to perform his duties.
He said he would always remain loyal to the president personally having given him “a wonderful opportunity to assist him in serving the people of Malawi and because of my nature of upbringing that is something I cannot take for granted.”
Commenting on whether he was taking any precautionary measures to protect his life, Phoya said: “The only thing I can say is that I have renewed my relationship with God. I am also in the process of consulting some family members and friends both within and outside the country.”
UDF deputy secretary general Paul Maulidi, who has succeeded Phoya as Justice Minister, expressed shock yesterday about the development, but wondered why his predecessor has not reported the matter to the party through his office.
“I have not spoken to Phoya since he left cabinet. But I can’t believe this. I hope someone is not just threatening him to cause false alarm,” said Maulidi. “But he should have bothered to inform me so that the party should find out what is going on.”
Police Spokesman George Chikowi said police had as of yesterday afternoon not yet received any complaint from the former Justice Minister, but would act professionally if informed.
Phoya said he did not inform his party and the police. He did not explain why.
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