Blantyre City Mayor Isaac Jomo Osman has justified his slapping of a woman escalated his clash with the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC), after strongly rejecting criticism over alleged acts of violence captured in a live social media broadcast.
The MHRC condemned viral footage allegedly showing the mayor assaulting a woman accused of buying stolen goods, describing the act as a serious violation of human rights and the rule of law.
The Commission has called for immediate investigations, stressing that no public official is above the law.
However, Osman hit back, dismissing the MHRC’s concerns and using strongly worded remarks, including telling critics to “go to hell” and insisting their position “does not make sense.”
His comments have been widely interpreted as a direct show of defiance toward the human rights watchdog.
The mayor has defended his actions, saying he was enforcing discipline and restoring order during what he describes as a crackdown on suspected criminal activities in Blantyre.
The MHRC has maintained its stance, urging law enforcement agencies to investigate the matter and warning against abuse of power.
It also emphasized the need to protect human rights and ensure accountability, regardless of a leader’s position.
Despite the growing backlash, Osman has continued his operations, which are still being broadcast on social media, fueling intense public debate over leadership conduct, accountability, and human rights in Malawi.
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