The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has strongly condemned Blantyre City Mayor Jomo Osman over an incident in Blantyre where he was captured in a video, broadcast live on his Facebook page, allegedly physically and verbally assaulting a woman accused of buying stolen goods.
The Commission also condemned the alleged assault of other men who were present, reportedly at the hands of individuals accompanying the Mayor, describing the acts as criminal and a serious violation of fundamental human rights and dignity.
“As custodians of the Gender Equality Act, it is our duty to speak out unequivocally whenever the law is violated,” said MHRC Chairperson Chikondi Chijozi in a statement released on May 2, 2026.
MHRC emphasized that the law exists to protect women and girls from violence and abuse, warning that no accusation, however serious, justifies taking the law into one’s own hands.
It stressed that justice must be pursued through legal and constitutional channels, not through acts of vigilantism.
The Commission further noted that the gravity of the incident is heightened by Osman’s position as a public servant and his role as Chairperson of the Malawi Local Government Association, saying such leadership demands the highest standards of conduct.
“When a leader raises his hand against a woman in public, he not only harms her but erodes public trust and undermines the rule of law,” the statement reads.
MHRC also expressed concern that underaged individuals were reportedly present during the incident, warning that exposure to violence can negatively affect children’s psychological wellbeing.
The Commission has since called on law enforcement authorities to act swiftly and impartially in investigating the matter and ensuring accountability, stressing that no one is above the law. It added that it will continue to monitor the case while standing in solidarity with all victims involved, both women and men.
