CHIKWAWA: Malawi police officers in Chikwawa district have confirmed the arrest of one of their own, Inspector, Benson Phiri from Mitole Police Mobile Service for an offense of grievous bodily harm.
Chikwawa Police Station, Officer In-Charge, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Francis Chisaka, told Shire Valley Online, Monday afternoon that Phiri on January 5th, 2023, around Dyeratu Trading Centre wanted to arrest Domingo Mzungu who parked a vehicle along the road at Chapananga turn off.
The OC further said, Mzungu and colleagues in their vehicle (minibus) had with them empty jerry canes which Phiri suspected they were on a mission to commit crimes at a project site a long the canal being constructed under the Shire Valley Transformation Programme (SVTP).
“It is alleged that whilst trying to effect an arrest, the suspect hit the victim in the face with a blow and he sustained serious injuries in the left eye.
“The suspect was also assaulted by the friends of the victim and other angry people. The case was reported to Chikwawa Police Station and both were referred to the district hospital for medical assistance, ” said Chisaka
According to the OC, Mzungu was operated on the eye and medics got it removed whilst the suspect who was later arrested was treated as an outpatient.
Our visit to Chikwawa DHO, found Mzungu on his bed receiving treatment. He said all he can recall was that he was trying to negotiate parking space with Phiri at the said place who later confiscated his car keys and demanded money in exchange.
“I was handcuffed right away and he heavily hit me on my left eye,” he said
According to Mzungu, it is very unfortunate now that some senior police officers from Mitole PMF are begging him for forgiveness when he has experienced quite devastating damage to his body.
He has since asked well wishers to assist him for Justice to prevail.
Commenting on the development, Lewis Msiyadungu, Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP), Diocesan Secretary for Chikwawa said its unfortunate that in the 21st Century, law enforcers can behave this way.
Msiyadungu who is also Chairperson for the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Chikwawa, said he will follow up the matter up until justice prevails.
He has however, advised family of the victim to officially lodge a complaint with a relevant CSO in the district for proper assistance.
Meanwhile, OC Chisaka, has urged all police officers in the district to be professional when executing their duties or else the law on personal liability for government employees will apply without shielding anyone.
Benson Phiri aged 42 hails from Kavukule Village, Traditional Authority Mbelwa in Mzimba district. While Domingo Mzungu comes from Sadulo Village in Traditional Authority Katunga in Chikwawa district.