Blantyre (Malawi) – Malawi’s President Joyce Banda Monday described clashes between opposition protesters and police as “politically motivated” and called for a thorough investigation.
At least two people are known to have died in the clashes which followed a political rally.
“My government will not tolerate such acts of political violence to destabilise the peaceful management of elections and to threaten the peace and security of our people,” Banda said in a statement.
“This barbaric act was politically motivated. All those that are directly or indirectly involved should face the wrath of the law.”
It was Sunday when violence erupted after an election rally led by Banda at Goliyati village in a stronghold of her rival Peter Mutharika of the former ruling Democratic Progressive Party.
A protester was shot dead while a policeman was axed to death.
Protesters threw stones in all directions and police dispersed the hostile crowd using teargas.
May 20 will see Malawians head to the polls for Presidential, parliamentary and local elections.
Banda said she was “saddened by the killing of a police officer who was enforcing peace, calm, law and order”.
Banda`s contenders in the Presidential race include Peter Mutharika, a young brother of the late president, in the May elections.
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