Police apologise to media

BY JAMESON CHAULUKA:

Malawi Police Service has apologised to the media fraternity over the assault of Zodiak Broadcasting Station journalists in Mzuzu recently.

The police officers attacked Musase Cheyo and Towera Kumwenda who were covering a joint sweeping exercise by Mzuzu City Council rangers and police to flush out vendors from the streets after they defied a June 15 deadline.

The act drew a backlash from local and international media stakeholders who described the incident as unfortunate, saying a Constitution which the country adopted in in 1994 provides for the right to freedom of the press and expression.

National Police spokesperson James Kadadzera said their investigation into the matter has revealed that the police officers conducted their duties unprofessionally and will be disciplined.

“Our investigations into the matter have revealed that, indeed, some of our officers conducted themselves unprofessionally and we apologise for that. As police, we have measures which are taken when some of our officers conduct their duties unprofessionally and they will be followed,” he said.

Kadadzera said the police cherish the good working relationship that exists between them and the media.

“What we want, as police, is that we should strengthen our good relationship with the media. The media and us work together as they communicate security issues to the public. Whenever there is a misunderstanding, we should find better ways of resolving it,” he said.

Misa Vice- Chairperson Clifton Kawanga said although they have received the apology, it will be meaningless if it is not followed by action.

Kawanga said police must conduct themselves professionally, especially now when the country is going into an election period.

“As Misa, we have welcomed the apology but it will be pointless if we do not see action on the ground. The police and everyone should know that the country’s Constitution provides for the right to freedom of the press, so no one should impede or assault journalists in their work. The police should be professional, especially now when we are approaching the 2019 tripartite elections where tempers will always be high,” he said.