By Wendy Mkandawire
The Malawi Chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA Malawi) has called on the Malawi Police Services to take action following the alleged assault of three journalists by during the 150th Anniversary Celebrations of the Blantyre Synod of the CCAP.
The incident occurred on Sunday, October 25, 2026, in Blantyre. The victims have been identified as Francis Chamasowa, a photojournalist with Nation Publications Limited (NPL), Kondwani Nyondo, a reporter for NPL, and Francis Nkhawire, a reporter with Transworld Radio (TWR). They were attacked while covering an incident at the Synod’s anniversary celebrations.
According to MISA Malawi, Chamasowa and Nkhawire were manhandled and forced to delete pictures from their cameras, while Nyondo was severely beaten and had his phone stolen. Nyondo reported the matter to Blantyre Police Station and was treated as an outpatient at Gateway Clinic in Blantyre.
Meanwhile, the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has condemned the political violence and attacks on journalists, demanding the immediate arrest of individuals captured in videos circulating on social media.
In a statement signed by Vice Chairperson Madalitso Banda and National Coordinator Kelvin Chirwa, HRDC said it is particularly concerned by reports that police officers witnessed the violence without intervening, a matter it says must be investigated.
HRDC also condemned the reported attack on the convoy of former President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera and damage to vehicles at the same event.
DPP spokesperson Shadric Namalomba has denied that the attackers could be DPP supporters. He said the party strongly condemns the act and urged the police to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Media Council of Malawi Chairperson Moses Kaufa expressed disappointment, saying the attacks show a lack of protection for journalists who are entitled to access information.
He said the Council had partnered with the Malawi Police Service to ensure the protection of journalists and implementation of access to information laws, calling on the police to immediately investigate and arrest those responsible to build public trust and promote media safety.
MISA Malawi condemned the senseless attacks on journalists on duty and commended the commitment to protect journalists expressed by President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika and the Minister of Information and Communication Technology.
