Bird’s Eye View: DPPs careless statement on murders



We are a nation in mourning, hearts heavy and tears flowing as Malawi grapples with the recent spate of gruesome murders that have shaken our beloved country.

In just one week, we have lost two of our own, a brilliant marketer and a dedicated Reserve Bank of Malawi IT guru.

May their souls rest in eternal peace, and may justice swiftly prevail for their grieving families.
On the fateful morning of 20th September 2023, Malawians awoke to the horrifying news and distressing images splattered across social media platforms.

A talented marketer, diligently working for SOBO, Allan Witika had been brutally murdered, his lifeless body discarded within his vehicle.

As if that were not dreadful enough, our anguish deepened on 24th September 2023, when we learned that another citizen, an employee of the Reserve Bank of Malawi, Agnes Katengeza had gone missing, only to be discovered later, her life taken in cold blood, her body dumped in her car. The pain and sadness in our hearts intensified.

What truly worries all well-meaning Malawians is the chilling pattern that has emerged from these heinous acts. These are not random killings; they bear the sinister signs of calculated and orchestrated murders, with motives yet unknown.

In this time of grief and uncertainty, our nation yearns for unity, support, and collective action.

However, it is with profound disappointment that we observe the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) seizing upon this tragic situation to advance its political agenda.

It is vital to recall that under the tenure of the DPP, our country witnessed the harrowing specter of state-sanctioned extrajudicial killings, with a long list of victims, many of whose cases are still before the courts.

It is deeply regrettable that the party is now attempting to score undeserved political points by implicating the Tonse government in these recent murders.
The DPP’s response has been careless and ill-considered. Instead of joining hands with the rest of the nation to mourn, to seek justice and to identify and bring the assailants to justice, they have chosen to sow discord.

In these trying times, we must set aside political affiliations and focus on cooperating with our law enforcement agencies to swiftly track down those responsible for these barbaric acts.
It is, indeed, pointless and counterproductive to engage in political finger-pointing at this juncture. Our priority should be the safety of all Malawians and the preservation of our unity as a nation.
We must come together, in solidarity, to hunt down those who threaten the peace and security of our country. Accusations and blame will only serve to distract us from the urgent task at hand.
Let us remember the victims and their grieving families. Let us stand united against the forces of violence and chaos that seek to divide us. Together, as one nation, we can and will prevail against this darkness.
It is time to rise above politics and work collectively towards the justice and security that every Malawian deserves. The DPP ought to cease its reckless handling of important issues.