Journalist in Hiding After Military Exposé, But Officials Deny Threats
MISA said they contacted the MDF Army Commander and Attorney General about threats to journalist Gondwe. Both officials assured MISA they have no plans to arrest or intimidate him.
LILONGWE, Malawi - Investigative journalist Gregory Gondwe has gone into hiding following alleged threats from the Malawi Defence Force over his exposure of military payments to a businessman, but government officials have assured the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi Chapter they do not plan to arrest or intimidate him, writes Winston Mwale.
Gondwe published an exposé alleging the MDF made payments to Sattar, who is under investigation for fraud by the Anti-Corruption Bureau.
After the story's publication, Gondwe said he received advice from military sources to go into hiding over concerns he could be arrested by the MDF for "endangering state security."
In a statement, MISA said it contacted MDF Army Commander General Paul Velentino Phiri and Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda regarding Gondwe's situation.
Both officials assured MISA there are no plans to arrest or intimidate Gondwe.
MISA called the threats against Gondwe "a chilling effect on journalists" and said Malawi should not return to an era of "heavy-handedness on media."
MISA said it will "continue engaging the leadership at MDF and the office of the Attorney General to ensure the safety of Gondwe and a free and conducive media operating environment."
On Thursday, Gondwe wrote on social media that he went into hiding because of the "potential for my situation to be 'accidentalized' with a seemingly plausible explanation posthumously."
He said he remains committed to holding those in power accountable despite personal risks.
“This isn’t just about legal threats, which I was prepared to face head-on,” Gondwe wrote.
“Yesterday, top government officials confirmed that the MDF intended to 'arrest' me for allegedly 'endangering state security'---a vague and ominous accusation."
Gondwe said he decided to go into hiding after receiving advice from sources within the military.
"Given the potential for my situation to be ‘accidentalised’ with a seemingly plausible explanation posthumously, I’ve heeded the advice to protect myself. In this line of work, death can be disguised as an accident, and no hospital can revive a life once lost," he wrote.
"The military believes it has a leak, and they think addressing it through me will solve their problems. However, the real solution lies in ensuring that public resources in a country as impoverished as Malawi are used rightly," Gondwe added.
Gondwe said he remains committed to holding those in power accountable despite the threats.
"If we don’t hold those in power accountable, Malawi risks becoming a nation bankrupted by the greed of its politicians. I’ve witnessed some, including fellow journalists, mock my predicament. Some may underestimate the threats I face, believe they’re superior in their journalistic endeavours, or are perhaps compromised by the system themselves," he wrote.
Media Council Condemns Threats Against Journalist
The Media Council of Malawi (MCM) has also condemned threats and intimidation against investigative journalist Gregory following his exposé on payments from the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) to businessman Zuneth Sattar.
In a statement, the MCM said Gondwe is currently in hiding after being advised to do so by sources following his reporting on payments from the MDF to Sattar, who is under an Anti-Corruption Bureau fraud investigation.
The council called the harassment and violence against Gondwe a "violation of the journalist's rights" and a "threat to the freedom and diversity of the media."
The MCM said it is engaging with the MDF and other stakeholders to ensure Gondwe's protection, a thorough investigation, and justice for the perpetrators.
MCM Chairperson Dr. Jolly Maxwell Ntaba urged those with grievances against the media to use established mechanisms like the council's Complaints Committee rather than resorting to intimidation.
He reaffirmed the MCM's commitment to promoting and protecting the media sector.
The council expressed solidarity with journalists facing threats and intimidation, saying it will continue advocating for an environment where journalists can operate freely with their rights protected.
CSOs Demand Probe of “Murky” Arms Deal
Meanwhile, a coalition of civil society groups is calling for an investigation into an arms deal between the Malawian government and a private military contractor.
The groups met Feb. 1 with Defense Minister Mkandawire to address concerns about the multi-million dollar transaction.
In a statement released Thursday, the organizations said the meeting raised more questions than answers.
"The joint civil society delegation reiterates its commitment to closely monitoring this matter and demands accountability from the government," said Charles Kajoloweka, executive director of Youth and Society, one of the groups.
Kajoloweka said the groups want the central bank to halt a 20%, down payment initiated by the Finance Ministry until inconsistencies in the deal can be clarified.
This includes the government's claim that the original contract was terminated last year, which raises doubts about the new payment, he said.
The groups also want the Ombudsman to probe allegations of maladministration and parliamentary committees to undertake a joint inquiry.
"As a matter of national interest, the government is urged to address the nation on the arms deal, providing clear and comprehensive information to the public," Kajoloweka said.
The saga began last year when the government signed a contract with Malachitte, a South African firm, to supply weapons, helicopters and other military equipment.
After a public outcry over alleged inflated costs, President Lazarus Chakwera canceled the deal.
But the government then signed a new contract with the International Armoured Group to supply the same equipment, raising accusations of a lack of transparency.
"This collaborative effort is essential to uncover any irregularities," Kajoloweka said.