Blantyre City-Central Legislature Themba Mkandawire Manhandles An Usher in Parliament Chambers

Blantyre City-Central Legislature Themba Mkandawire Manhandles An Usher in Parliament Chambers 

The National Assembly was on the afternoon of Tuesday turned into a torture camp when an Honorable Member for Blantyre City-Central Constituency, Themba Mkandawire physically manhandled a helpless Head of Usher’s in parliament.

The assault of a man identified as Jones Sabola who began work in 1989 as a Parliamentary Usher (Person responsible in delivering documents and passing quick notes for legislatures inside parliament), followed misunderstanding over distribution of calendars which the Usher together with his colleagues was distributing to members in the House immediately when the House was suspended for a lunch break.

According to eye witness and the victim himself, Hon. Mkandawire was insisting to get two calendars from already allocated one calendar per parliamentarian. Usher’s declined to give Mkandawire another calendar for fear that accepting his demand will deprive other parliamentarians of getting their calendar. 

Unfortunately, Usher’s explanation proved to be futile as Hon Mkandawire launched an attack at Sabola by pulling his necktie and strangled him in the process. The charged parliamentarian then sent several punches in defenseless Sabola’s stomach and headbutted him.

“The combination of the heavy punches and headbutt, sent me down on the floor and I smashed against the chair in the process.” lamented Sabola whose claim was also approved by his several other colleagues who eye witnessed the event.

As I was speaking to the victim who was yet to go to the hospital complained much about headache and stomach pains.

One of the Usher’s said “We respect and treat everyone (members of parliament) with their dignity but we wondered how this parliamentarian mistreated our leader”, and continued “This is the first time in the history of Malawi parliament and we are very unhappy” 

It was an apology and assurance that such a practice was uncalled-for from Leader of House in the National Assembly Hon Francis Lazaro Kasaila on behalf of government that calmed down Parliamentary Usher’s who were about to go on strike. 

When approached to comment over his conduct, Mkandawire neither admitted nor denied to have beaten up the Usher and instead queried on who had told this reporter that he had done what he was being asked about. Before he could get any reply, he angrily walked away towards the exit, murmuring that he was too bored to remain within parliament for the remainder of the afternoon.

Parliament has taken up the matter and Usher’s have been assured of their safety and respect by every legislator.

“We will follow it up and make sure that something of this sought never happens again. The honorable speaker will take up the matter with the concerned member. But as government we have taken note of it we are going to find out what exactly happened and from there we will make sure that our colleague is properly cautioned that, that is not the way we want members to behave in as far as taking care of Parliament staff is concerned.” Said Kasaila

“We value their contribution, without them our work would have been very difficult so it is a very unfortunate incident and regrettable, but let me assure the nation that the appropriate action will be taken and this incident will not happen again” said Kasaila who explained that the disciplinary action will be handled by the Speaker. 

He added that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) which Mkandawire belongs to, will also take its appropriate measure on his misconduct, “As government we are concerned and we are going to take it up” 

Kabwira

When the house convened after short suspension for a tea break Honorable member for Salima North West Jessie Kabwira took the matter into the chamber. While condemning the act, Kabwira asked the House to assure Usher’s of their protection as they carry out duties inside the chamber.

But Leader of House hon. Kasaila repeated that government was serious about the incident and will not condone the behavior of the member and appropriate measure will be taken.

Later, Hon. Vitus Dzoole Mwale a Lilongwe Msozi South legislator said “This is a very serious issue, as honorable house can the name of this member be announced here for people in his constituency to know what he is doing here?”

However, guidance from the First Deputy Speaker Hon. Esther Mcheka Chilenje and the Leader of house blocked continuation of the issue when the explanation was made that the Speaker of National Assembly is handling the matter.


(Munthu Wakuda Leo contributed part of the information in this story)