MISA Malawi strongly condemns the barbaric attacks on journalists by Malawi Congress Party (MCP) supporters during the Lilongwe court appearance of some party leaders on Monday, December 15, 2025.
Through intimidation and physical attacks, some MCP supporters created a hostile environment for journalists covering the court appearance of MCP Secretary General, Hon. Richard Chimwendo Banda, 2025 presidential election running mate Hon. Vitumbiko Mumba and the party spokesperson, Dr. Jessie Kabwila.
Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) reporter Kenphord Mdima and cameraperson Aubrey Kuyere were physically attacked while livestreaming the arrival of the arrested party leaders at the court. They had to cut the live coverage and rush into the courtroom for their safety. TV Islam journalist Aspolo Mousah was also physically attacked and forced to delete footage and pictures he had captured.
”It’s traumatising on my part as this is the third attack on me by people from the same party. They attacked me during an event at the party headquarters during the elections. I was assaulted during [Sylvester] Namiwa demonstrations and now this,” Kuyere complained.
To protect themselves from the hostile party supporters, most media practitioners had to take off their media jackets.
MISA Malawi strongly condemns this blatant assault and acts of intimidation on journalists in the line of duty. Court premises are public spaces and court cases are open for media coverage. Creating a hostile environment for journalists covering court cases is an assault on media freedom, which is not only barbaric but criminal.
We demand decisive action from the MCP leadership on the matter. MISA Malawi also calls on the police to act on the MCP supporters who assaulted journalists at the court.
Media contacts
MISA Malawi Chairperson Golden Matonga
Cell: +265 99 616 9705 or email goldenmatonga@gmail.com
MISA Malawi National Director Aubrey Chikungwa
Cell: +265 999 327 311 or email info@misamalawi.org
