The United Transformation Movement (UTM) President, Dalitso Kabambe, on Thursday evening spent about an hour at Lingadzi Police Station seeking access to detained human rights activist Sylvester Namiwa, but was not allowed to see him
Kabambe arrived at the police station around 5 p.m., joining a growing number of people seeking access to Namiwa, who had been arrested earlier that day. Despite waiting and engaging police officers, Kabambe left the station without meeting the activist.
After the visit, Kabambe called for transparency and due process, saying authorities should clearly explain the allegations against Namiwa and ensure the matter is handled fairly and in accordance with the law.
“Malawi must never become a police state,” Kabambe said, warning against the use of state institutions to intimidate or silence citizens exercising their constitutional rights.
Human rights defenders Benedicto Kondowe and Charles Kajoloweka also visited the station.
Kondowe said he was denied access after police informed him that visiting hours had ended, adding that he would return on Friday morning.
Later in the evening, Deputy National Police Public Relations Officer Alfred Chimthere confirmed that Namiwa had been arrested on allegations of publishing false news and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.
He said the activist remains in custody at Lingadzi Police Station.
The failed attempts by Kabambe and other rights defenders to meet Namiwa have intensified public interest in the case, with calls mounting for police to handle the matter openly and in line with constitutional protections.
