Date Of Article: 3/31/2003
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Muluzi warns police
By: Gedion Munthali
President Muluzi on Sunday ordered the police to bring to book any perpetrator of political violence regardless of political affiliation, warning that he would hold them responsible if the country degenerated into political turmoil. In an evening address to the nation monitored on MBC Radio 1 Muluzi said: “Police must discharge their duties professionally and ethically to protect life and property and ensure that there is peace and order in this country. “Any perpetrator of violence must be brought to justice regardless of which party he belongs to. I want this country to continue enjoying peace and calm, law and order. “Since I have been very clear on this issue, I will hold the police squarely responsible if this country is beset by political instability arising from political violence.” The president’s remarks came amid concerns by civil society and opposition leaders that the police were biased towards the ruling UDF, allowing its Young Democrats to beat up people even at police stations. Muluzi challenged civic, religious and political leaders to desist from sowing seeds of political hatred, saying the ruling party must take the lead in fostering peaceful co-existence across the political divide. “In Chikwawa I condemned violence perpetrated by some Young Democrats. I repeat my condemnation now and this condemnation is not only directed at young democrats belonging to the ruling party but all political parties and pressure groups,” he said. He said politics was not a competition on violence but view points. “I want all Malawians regardless of political belonging to live like brothers and sisters. I condemn regionalism and tribalism. We must live as one people,” said Muluzi.
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