Maravi

PF, MMD differ over Msanzala violence reports

PF, MMD differ over Msanzala violence reports
By Christopher Miti in Chipata
Sat 04 Feb. 2012, 12:59 CAT

THE Patriotic Front has dismissed reports that there is violence in Msanzala Constituency ahead of the February 16 by-elections. But MMD deputy campaign manager in the Msanzala by-election Levy Ngoma says it is irresponsible for the PF to claim there is no violence in Msanzala.

In an interview yesterday, PF Eastern Province vice-chairperson Mike Tembo said the issue of violence in Msanzala had been blown out of proportion. He said there were no fights in Msanzala as reported in some sections of the media.

"It's not correct that we are fighting, there are no fights here. There were only two incidents and they were brought under control by the police. We are campaigning very well and everything is peaceful. There was one incident where some family members fought and one of them was hit by a bottle in the stomach and this happened in Misoro area," Tembo said.

He said the condition of the person who was attacked and admitted at St Francis Mission Hospital was out of danger.

"There is no violence to worry about and we are commending the police for their professionalism so far. The police we have here (Msanzala) are more than enough and they can handle the situation. We are just waiting for the poll day so that we can win the seat and celebrate since we are already in a celebratory mood after winning the September 20th polls. Even our friends who are mourning their general election loss are mourning peacefully and they are campaigning peacefully," Tembo said.

Tembo, who was flanked by Petauke district chairperson Sandford Mwanza, said people should not get worried as all was well in Msanzala.

"We know each other here very well. In fact, we are related, why should we be fighting? Elections will go, but why should we be fighting?" he asked.

And Ngoma, who is also Sinda member of parliament, said the PF knew that they were guilty and that they would like to cover up their wrongs.

He said it was irresponsible for anyone to say there was no violence in Msanzala when somebody was admitted to St Francis Mission Hospital.

"The PF people know that they are the ones perpetrating violence and that's why they would want their violence activities to be covered under the carpet. How do you say there is no violence in Msanzala when somebody is admitted at St Francis Mission Hospital with 10 centimetres of his intestines cut off?" Ngoma asked.

He said the PF's thuggery behaviour was not wanted in Eastern Province which was a peaceful province with peaceful people.

Ngoma said the PF were busy disrupting MMD's meetings because they knew that things were not okay to them.

There had been some counter accusations between PF and MMD over the reported violence in Msanzala.

Labels: MMD, PF, POLITICAL VIOLENCE

posted by MrK @ 3:25 AM