Members of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) sustained serious injuries as violence broke out during a planned road show at Mbowe filling station in Lilongwe. The gathering, intended to promote voter registration for the upcoming elections, quickly turned chaotic when a hostile crowd attacked DPP members with machetes, axes, and other weapons.
Reports indicate that several DPP members were rushed to Kamuzu Central Hospital with severe injuries, while others were found unconscious in nearby fields and taken to African Bible College clinic for treatment. The attackers, suspected to be armed with stones, knives, and catapults, targeted DPP supporters and damaged at least seven vehicles, looting property and deflating tires in the process.
The situation escalated further when a lorry, bearing the license plate “LA 9108,” was spotted transporting individuals believed to be responsible for the violence. DPP officials, including lawmaker Victor Musowa, allege that the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) instigated the fracas, though this claim has yet to be confirmed.
Malawi Police, describes the incident as unlawful in their official statements released on 25 February 2024 regarding the incident, signed by Senior Superintendent Peter Kalaya, the Public Relations Officer. MPS Urges all political party leaderships in the country to tame their supporters to respect Democratic foundations as the country is moving closer to 2025 General elections.
The DPP maintains that they followed all necessary procedures, including notifying the police, prior to the road show.
The violent disruption of the DPP gathering underscores the challenges surrounding political activities in the lead-up to the 2025 elections, highlighting the need for increased security measures and dialogue to prevent further incidents.