SULEIMAN BEHIND BARS OVER DEFAMATION ALLEGATIONS IN BT

By Michael Martin//MALAWI

Malawi Police Services-MPS have arrested outspoken Sameer Suleiman, a legislator for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), for allegedly defaming three prominent members of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP).

According to the warrant of arrest, Suleiman made and posted a statement on social media platforms between December 2024 and January 2025, accusing MCP Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda, MCP Director of Youth Baba Malondera, and Kenneth Zikhale Ng’oma of plotting to kill him.

The statement is alleged to be defamatory to the three individuals.

This is not the first time Suleiman has been embroiled in controversy.

Last week, lawyer George Jarvis Kadzipatike, representing Steven Baba Malondera, sued Suleiman on behalf of Malondera, claiming hundreds of millions of kwacha in damages.

The arrest of Suleiman comes amidst a tense political climate in Malawi.

The DPP and MCP have been at odds since the 2020 presidential elections, which saw the MCP’s Lazarus Chakwera assume the presidency.

The two parties have been engaged in a series of public feuds, with accusations of defamation, intimidation, and violence flying back and forth.

The arrest of Suleiman has significant implications for Malawi’s political landscape.

It highlights the need for politicians to be mindful of their language and actions, particularly in the lead-up to the 2025 general elections.

The incident also underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations.