By Rahim Abdul
Fear has gripped Mtowe Trading Centre in Nsanje District after local businessman Bashiri Mahomed reported a shocking break-in at his shop, an incident he believes is linked to rising political tensions in the area.
Mahomed, a well-known trader at Mtowe, told Malawiana Publication that unknown assailants broke into his shop on Wednesday night and made away with goods valued at over K3 million, in addition to K800,000 in cash.
According to Mahomed, the incident has left him living in constant fear, especially after he was allegedly warned to leave the area.
He claims that a man identified as Badu, who is now in police custody, approached him earlier and advised him to relocate from Mtowe back to Marka.
Mahomed questioned the motive behind the warning, saying he has lived and conducted business in Nsanje for over 11 years without any previous problems.
He said it was disturbing to suddenly be told to leave without any clear justification.
The businessman suspects that the attack and intimidation are politically motivated, noting that his brother, Ramzan Juma Mahomed, is a former Member of Parliament for the area and a known political figure.
He further accused Senior Chief Ndamera of allegedly allowing or enabling such actions, claiming the traditional leader favors Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) member Thomson Kamangira over Ramzan Juma Mahomed in the ongoing political contest in Nsanje South.
Mahomed’s claims come at a time when political tensions remain high in the constituency following a controversial electoral process that has divided opinion among residents.
Meanwhile, Thomson Kamangira has not yet commented on the allegations, despite repeated efforts to obtain his response on the matter.
Police in Nsanje say investigations are ongoing. Nsanje Police spokesperson Jabulani Ng’oma confirmed that one suspect is in custody but dismissed claims that there is organized political violence in Nsanje South.
The developments follow a recent ruling by the Blantyre High Court, which nullified the Nsanje South parliamentary election results after Ramzan Juma Mahomed challenged the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), accusing it of failing to properly manage the electoral process in the constituency.
As investigations continue, residents and business owners in Mtowe are calling for calm, security and fairness, warning that continued fear and political intolerance could threaten both livelihoods and peaceful coexistence in the district.
