By Durell Namasani
In a shocking act of violence, suspected DPP thugs set fire to the expensive Jeep of Z. Allan Ntata, a former presidential aide to Bingu wa Mutharika, this afternoon at Ginnery Corner in Blantyre. The vehicle was completely burnt to ashes, though fortunately, Ntata was not inside at the time. His driver, who was at the wheel, escaped unscathed.
Ntata, a vocal critic of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), has been at the forefront of a campaign to prevent DPP President Peter Mutharika from running for president in the upcoming September election. His primary argument revolves around Mutharika’s advanced age—he is 86 years old—and the risk of the country being ruled by political opportunists should Mutharika win the presidency.
As the incident unfolds, fingers are being pointed at the DPP’s hierarchy with many suspecting the involvement of the party’s operatives. The thugs reportedly believed Ntata was in the vehicle when they set it ablaze. This act of violence follows a long history of intimidation and brutality associated with the DPP, including the infamous killing of Issah Njauju and the burning of his vehicle during the party’s earlier reign of terror.
Ntata’s supporters have condemned the attack, calling it an attempt to silence dissent. The act has reignited fears about the return of a violent DPP regime under Mutharika’s leadership. “Never again clueless Peter Mutharika, never again the murderous and violent DPP,” said a group of concerned citizens.
As tensions rise, many Malawians are calling for an end to the political violence and a peaceful election season. The attack on Ntata’s car has only intensified the debate surrounding Mutharika’s fitness to lead, with growing calls for change in the upcoming election.
