CDEDI calls for parliamentary probe into Asian businessmen abductions

By Chisomo Phiri

The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has written to the Speaker of Parliament,Catherine Gotani-Hara, requesting the establishment of a joint parliamentary committee to investigate a series of abductions targeting business persons of Malawian Asian origin.

The letter, signed by CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa, copied to the Trade and Industry Committee and Defense and Security Committee,highlights four cases of abduction, including the recent kidnapping of 26-year-old British national of Indian descent, Muhammad Kasiman.

Namiwa

In the letter,CDEDI expresses concern over the lack of official statements from the Malawi Police Service(MPS) and the government, despite assurances from the Homeland Security Minister,Ken Zikhale Ng’oma, to investigate the matter.

The organization raises questions about the safety of Malawi, police competence, and potential ransom payments.

CDEDI requests a public inquiry to exercise the right to know and summons the MPS Inspector General to explain the apparent security breakdown.