Malawian Lawyer Calls Out President and Police Chief Over Rising Violence
“Can you just do the damn thing you are supposed to do?” he implored, calling for decisive action to ensure public safety.
LILONGWE, Malawi— A Malawian lawyer has publicly criticized President Lazarus Chakwera and Inspector General of Police Merlyne Yolam for their ‘inaction’ amid escalating violence from machete-wielding gangs, writes Winston Mwale.
In a pointed message on Facebook, Bright Theu condemned what he described as their “loud silence” in the face of repeated threats to public safety.
“Your failure or hesitation to reign in the powers vested in you is appalling, irresponsible, and reckless,” Theu stated in his post.
He recalled that President Chakwera had previously condemned similar violence during the tenure of his predecessor, highlighting a troubling double standard.
“Such displays of violence led to incidents like the near-fatal attack on Billy Mayaya in broad daylight,” Theu noted, criticising the police's passive response.
The lawyer pointed out that machetes have been linked to severe violence in other parts of the world, calling the government's inaction a dangerous precedent.
“Your calculation to earn political dividends from these primitive stunts is utterly misguided,” he wrote, questioning the president’s motives.
He urged Chakwera and Yolam to recognise their responsibilities as leaders, emphasising that their inaction does not reflect wisdom.
“It is grossly irresponsible for you to watch as violence becomes entrenched in politics, especially with elections approaching,” he warned.
While Theu acknowledged that political rivals have also employed violent rhetoric, he insisted that accountability rests with the current administration.
“Can you just do the damn thing you are supposed to do?” he implored, calling for decisive action to ensure public safety.
There’s been no immediate comment from the president or the police on the lawyer’s Facebook post.
The escalating violence in Malawi raises concerns about the stability of the nation as political tensions rise ahead of upcoming elections.