One of the independent candidates who lost the by-elections held in Mangochi last week, Martin Nyengo has expressed worry with the delay by the district’s police in arresting thugs who allegedly beat up his followers.

Nyengo lost to United Democratic Front’s (UDF) Idi Kalosi as declared by Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC).

The independent candidate also lodged a complaint to MEC, which was quashed according to the electoral body’s chairperson, Chifundo Kachale when he announced the results in Blantyre.

On Tuesday, Nyengo met Mangochi Police Officer In-charge (OC) to lodge his complaint as he feels police are deliberately shielding the culprits.

“I am so concerned with the conduct of our police on how they are handling this issue, I feel like they are favouring one side because there is no reason for them to take such long time in arresting men who assaulted my men,” he said.

He suspects the thugs to be from UDF and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) as they assaulted his followers a day before the polls to disturb the process.

Nyengo then threatened that he would mobilise his people and seek revenge if police does not act on his complaint.

Apparently Kalosi also made a similar complaint to police saying his fans were also manhandled by Nyengo’s supporters but no arrest has been effected.

“I am also a victim, my people were beaten up and some of my things damaged, I am seeking the same justice as what my friend Nyengo is doing,” he added.

Mangochi Police Station Public Relations Officer Rodrick Maida confirmed that both parties lodged the complaints.

“It is true that we received some complaints from both parties, as police we have to admit that we have not yet made any arrest as we were paving way for the elections to take place,” he said.

Maida then assured the public that police will take an action and all the perpetrators will face the law from both sides.

He then advised people not to take law into their hands saying they should let police do its work and no revenge is allowed.

Martin Nyengo challenged the 2019 election results won by Kalosi. The courts then declared Mangochi North East constituency vacant and on 15th December by-elections were conducted and Kalosi retained his seat.