MCP’s Msungama arrested for ‘treason’: WhatsApp group messages talked of Malawi regime change
Malawi Police on Sunday arrested opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) member Ulemu Msungama for treason allegations after he allegedly insinuated that there should be a regime change through a discussion on a WhatsApp group of party members.
Msungama, who’s challenging results of Lilongwe City North East election allegedly made the remarks in a leaked WhatsApp group chat
He wrote: “As MCP we were supposed to take advantage of all this mess and play it from the background.”
Police arrested Msungama Sunday morning and interrogated him on the WhatsApp messages,
“Yes I have been arrested and they are taking me to a Lumbadzi Police holding cell,” Msungama told Nyasa Times.
“They are accusing me of treason,” he added.
Police spokesman Nelson Gondwa said he it was “premature” to comment on the matter.
However, Police sources say there are more impending arrests over WhatsApp messages with MCP spokeswoman Jessie Kabwila, lawmaker Paul Chakwantha amongst the suspects.
Police say the MCP members were planning to “organise, strategise and implement the removal of the constitutional government of Malawi … the Egyptian way”.
They say the MCP members discussed how to conduct an insurrection similar to Egyptian revolt that brought down Hosni Mubarak after nearly three decades in power.
Police alleged that the WhatsApp participants took turns calling for a revolt against President Peter Mutharika.
MCP Deputy Secretary General Eisenhower Mkaka confirmed the arrest of Msungama and said the party is aware of a crackdown on its members ahead of parliament which sits from Monday.
“No one would deny they want a better Malawi,” Mkaka said.
He said it’s a big leap to say MCP members discussing about Malawi woes they’re planning to make a serious threat against anyone.
“The whole thing is ridiculous.”
Mkaka said the arrests are clearly being driven by a political agenda to “instil fear in people.”
MCP called the arrest on treason as “outrageous charges.”
“Arresting people for WhatsApp discussion is against freedom of expression.”
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dziko lili manja mwangalu chili chose palibe choyenda ndinabetsa voti yanga bwanji
leave APM alone. let him feel the heat of stealing the votes. things are very bad but we want APM to succumb to his own downfall. akudyerera ndi anzakowo APM iwe thukuta olo uli m aircon. uwona
I am at a loss with the direction MCP is taking. Do you mean Msungama, Kabwira yo n Chakwantha should be left plotting overthrowing the president simply because they are MCP members?
Rev or Pastor Chakwera, are you really there and behind this stupid mess your boys and girls are doing?
It’s a shame to MCP. Kulowa M’boma its not through back door ayiiiii ndi vote yokha basi.
The constitution mandates Prof. APM mpaka zaka zisanu.
A police plz enforce laws of Malawi without fear or favour. Atsekeleni alowe basi including those that are saying akufuna kudzalowa.
Kugwa mmanja a Mulungu ndi koopsa…… Kusiya ubusa ndikulowa ndale you thought you will be clean? my foot not even you Lazarous will turn this Economy around. wait for your turn mukuthamangire kuti? no wonder the PP government supported you because you were and still remains a week minded person…… I dont think without the support of the manondo brothers you could have made it and so to speak this will not work you will only destabilize the already ailing economy. mukuvomera za umathanyula kuti azungu azikukondani? ife stand yathu as Malawians still remains no to Gay rights irrespective of… Read more »
Zayambika. Cardiac arrest around the corner
Then you are going to arrest thousands of people because alot are discussing the same.
ziriko. so you mean solutions to our current problems is to unconstitutionally overthrowing the government? what kind of thinking is this? moti abusa nkumavomera zimenezi?
And when the donors say APM is becoming more autocratic and intolerant to criticism muzizati personal non grata..
Live peter alone. Mutha ngati makatani. M.c.p is gone with kamuzu. Dpp all the way.
mbuzi,anthu adziko lapasitu lero akukonda kudya nyama yambuzi.atsogoleri amipingo mbuzi,atsogoleri andale mbuzi,akakhala khala mmaofesi mwawomu akukonda kudya nyama yambuzi.