By Martha Chikoti
MISA Malawi has condemned the assault of journalists by suspected Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) supporters during the 150th Anniversary Celebrations of the Blantyre Synod of the CCAP in Blantyre.
According to a statement issued by MISA Malawi Chairperson Felix Washon, on Sunday, October 25, 2026, Francis Chamasowa, a photojournalist at Nation Publications Limited (NPL), Kondwani Nyondo, a reporter at NPL, and Francis Nkawihe, a reporter at Trans World Radio (TWR), were attacked while covering an incident at the celebrations.
Washon said while Chamasowa and Nkawihe were manhandled and forced to delete pictures, Nyondo was severely beaten and his phone was stolen by the assailants.
Nyondo reported the matter to Blantyre Police Station and was treated as an outpatient at Gateway Clinic.
He said the journalists told MISA Malawi that the attackers arrived in DPP-branded vehicles at the venue.
MISA Malawi has described as appalling the fact that the attacks happened in full view of police officers who did nothing to stop the crime. The organization says it is yet to get a comment from the Malawi Police Service on the matter.
In the statement, MISA Malawi has urged police to investigate the matter, including the conduct of officers who watched the crime being committed, and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The media body has also called on the DPP to separately investigate the matter and discipline its supporters suspected of attacking the journalists, saying it is high time impunity for crimes against journalists came to an end.
MISA Malawi has reminded political party supporters that press freedom is guaranteed under Section 36 of the Republican Constitution, emphasizing that journalism is not a crime and an attack on journalists is a criminal act.
Meanwhile, DPP Spokesperson Shadric Namalomba has refuted allegations that the attackers are DPP supporters.
He said the party strongly condemns the barbaric act and has urged police to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice.
