Police have launched investigations into alleged abuse and theft of items during a raid that Malawi Defence Force (MDF) undertook at Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa District on Saturday.
Police spokesperson for the district Alice Sitima said two people had formally logged complaints to them for investigations, alleging that money in excess of K6 million, phones and clothes were stolen during the raid.
According to Sitima, one of the complainants, Beya Tubanda, a Congolese, reported that when the soldiers raided his house, money amounting to K1.9 million and a smart phone went missing.
Another Dzaleka resident, Biruknash Tadesse, whose husband Isaac Tagase was arrested, said soldiers threw teargas canisters in her house, subjecting her four children to health-related injuries.
- Advertisement -
Similarly, an Ethiopian who identified herself as Saron said when the soldiers entered her house, they pointed a gun at her sister and one soldier gave her a cigarette to smoke as one way of shutting her mouth.
- Advertisement -
“They even threw teargas canisters in the house, which caused panic among us, including my baby, who is just one year-old. They were about 10 of them armed and about three entered my bedroom. They took with them six phones, about K4 million and clothes,” she said.
Mekdes Seba, whose husband Same Tadese, has also been arrested asked for justice to prevail on the matter.
“I want him to be taken to court and justice should prevail. I want the court to determine whether he is wrong or not. I am worried with the current setup, where those that are arrested are never put on trial but end up being deported or being ‘sold’ to some people,” she alleged.
When contacted, MDF spokesperson Major Kelvin Mlelemba said they had not received any official report or complaint regarding the alleged incidents.
- Advertisement -
Mlelemba, however, said they take such allegations seriously, committing to take necessary action when the claims are brought to their attention.
“Be assured that the Malawi Defence Force holds its personnel to the highest standards and expects them to conduct themselves with the highest levels of professionalism in all circumstances,” he said.
During the raid, two people, Congolese Polo Mbughi aged 16 and Ethiopian Mulata Tagasa Kafala, were accidentally shot.
During the raid, over 200 people were arrested in what MDF commander Paul Valentino Phiri said was action aimed at dismantling people smuggling networks allegedly operating at the camp, which houses over 50,000 people.
In a statement, Inua Advocacy Chief Executive Officer Innocent Magambi said despite acknowledging gains made in combating human trafficking at the Dzaleka Refugee Camp, the use of force was unacceptable.
“While we appreciate the need to address the human trafficking [problem], the methods used must be proportionate, humane and respectful of the rights of refugees and asylum seekers. It should be noted that reports of human rights violations taint the otherwise noble goal of combating trafficking,” he said.
In July, MDF also arrested 220 individuals from the camp as they were considered irregular immigrants.
