The Independent Complaints Commission (ICC) has said it has concluded investigations into an issue where a serving Malawi Police Service (MPS) officer allegedly shot at an individual.
“The case is still at the reporting stage but investigations have been concluded. Our focus is on the conduct of a police officer regarding the use of the firearm,” ICC spokesperson Happy Njalammano said.
The Daily Times has learned that in September 2024, at Bayethe Liquor Shop in Nanjiri, Assistant Superintendent Joseph Kadango, who is the Officer-in-Charge at Parliament Police, allegedly shot Nathan Chithenga in the arm.
Chithenga was reportedly engaged in a dispute with his ex-girlfriend when the incident occurred.
Thoko Banda, Chithenga’s lawyer, confirmed that he was aware of the case.
He, however, raised concern over police’s actions.
“We want the police to explain what led to the shooting,” Banda said.
He added that he intended to challenge circumstances surrounding the incident when the case comes before court this week.
Lilongwe Police Station spokesperson Hastings Chigalu also confirmed knowledge of the incident.
“Nathan got into an altercation with the worker of the police officer, who is the owner of Bayethe Liquor Shop.”
“The situation escalated, leading to a physical confrontation with the lady. However, during the altercation, Nathan provoked the owner and attempted to fight with the owner,” Chigalu said.
He alleged that this is when the officer intervened and that, in an effort to subdue Nathan, he shot him in the arm.
Chigalu said the officer then took Nathan to the hospital for medical attention.
“The police officers involved maintained professionalism throughout the incident,” Chigalu said.
He said Nathan is currently on remand as he allegedly absconded bail after his arrest, leading to further legal complications.
Speaking from Maula Prison earlier last week, when we found him on remand, Chithenga said he was surprised with the turn of events.
“I was fighting with my ex-girlfriend when she overpowered me and cut off my dreadlocks. As I tried to take them back, she ran into Kadango’s bottle store,” Chithenga said.
According to him, as he followed her inside the bottle store, Kadango drew a pistol and threatened to shoot at him.
“When I saw the gun, I backed off and started running away. He fired a shot in the air and when I saw [that] things were getting serious, I surrendered by putting my hands up. But even then, he shot me in the arm,” he claimed.
While Chithenga was undergoing treatment, he was charged with assault and insulting the modesty of a woman.
Chithenga’s family later reported the shooting to ICC, which intervened by withdrawing Kadango’s firearm.
On Thursday last week, sources informed The Daily Times that Chithenga had been transferred to Area 3 Police Station.
Medical records indicate that Chithenga suffered a gunshot wound to the arm and has been attending monthly medical reviews.
Chinthenga remains in custody and is awaiting trial at Area 3 Court in Lilongwe.
Meanwhile, Human Rights Defenders Coalition Chairperson Gift Trapence has called for transparency in the way the case is handled.
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