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Blantyre Mayor and member of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, Jomo Osman, has placed the rule of law and the leadership of Malawi President Arthur Peter Mutharika under intense scrutiny, barely seven months into the administration.
This Follows a viral video circulating widely showing the Blantyre mayor slapping a woman suspected of buying stolen goods from a local gang.
The incident presents a critical test for Mutharika’s leadership, particularly regarding adherence to the rule of law and the protection of human rights, especially for victims who are afraid of leaders who take matters into their own hands.
The public has already delivered its verdict and is closely watching how the matter will be handled talking into consideration that Osman belongs to a ruling party and had an audience with Mutharika few days ago.
Meanwhile, the Malawi Human Rights Commission has strongly condemned the alleged incident. In a statement issued Saturday, the Commission described the episode as deeply troubling, noting that the alleged assault was broadcast live on the mayor’s Facebook page.
The Commission also denounced reports that men present at the scene were attacked by individuals accompanying the mayor, stressing that such acts are criminal and violate fundamental human rights.
MHRC emphasized that the incident raises serious concerns about respect for the rule of law, underscoring that no accusation justifies taking justice into one’s own hands.
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