By Cathy Maulidi:
Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) walked out of Parliament Friday, protesting the government and Parliament’s alleged inaction regarding the deflation of tyres on several of their vehicles by some alleged thugs.
Weeks earlier, men captured on CCTV footage entered the Parliament grounds on the day President Lazarus Chakwera was present in the House to answer questions from MPs.
They were observed deflating the tyres of vehicles belonging to opposition lawmakers.
The incident was subsequently discussed and Parliamentarians agreed that an investigation was necessary to identify and hold the perpetrators accountable.
A key initial step was to review the CCTV footage that had captured the men involved.
However, nearly three weeks have passed without any discernible progress on the matter, prompting the opposition members to demand answers yesterday.
Machinga East MP Esther Jolobala expressed concern over Parliament leadership’s apparent lack of interest in the incident, which she interpreted as an indication of their knowledge of the events and the people responsible.
“It is surprising that almost two weeks have passed without any action against the individuals whose faces were clearly visible on the CCTV footage. What is even more surprising is the inaction of both the Parliament leadership and the government in repairing the damaged tyres.
“This inaction is deeply concerning and suggests that they are aware of what transpired and who dispatched these men,” Jolobala said.
Speaking to journalists after the walkout, MP for Thyolo Thava, Mary Navicha, described the situation as deeply troubling in a democratic nation.
“It is disheartening to witness the transformation of a once-secure Parliament into a venue where hoodlums operate with impunity.
“Today, thugs can freely enter Parliament and target the opposition without any repercussions from the government or the Parliament leadership. This lack of action implies their complicity,” Navicha said.
She added that if authorities were genuinely unaware of what occurred, the perpetrators would have been apprehended and the tyres would have been replaced.
“For instance, Honourable Grace Kwelepeta, MP for Zomba Malosa, is experiencing difficulties attending Parliament because the leadership has failed to replace the tyres of her vehicle, which were damaged by these thugs,” Navicha claimed.
Navicha indicated that the opposition MPs would continue to boycott parliamentary proceedings until Parliament’s leadership and the government address their safety concerns and replace the damaged tyres.
However, Leader of the House Richard Chimwendo Banda said the matter had been reported to the appropriate authorities and that an investigation was ongoing.
“This is Parliament and members are entitled to express their views. Were they to do so outside of Parliament, others would have followed up.
“However, within Parliament, they are immune. Nevertheless, the investigations are still in progress. For us to comment on a matter before the
