The victim, Liz Gondwe, has since filed a complaint to the police.
Police are shielding the over zealous DPP hooligan saying “they are not convinced” that the lady entrepreneur, who runs a restaurant at Rumphi market, was roughed up.
The DPP supporters, led by Deputy Director of Youth for the North Christopher Mtambo, were mounting posters of Mutharika’s face on shops and other strategic spots when the fracas ensued.
As they attempted to mount the portrait on Gondwe’s shop, she stopped them arguing the picture would negatively affect her business which has customers from different political affiliations.
However, the members went ahead and mounted the portrait but Gondwe pulled it down instantly, a development that angered the militant DPP youth brigade.
“Their boss [Mtambo] led the assault. He ferociously charged at her before his subordinates gave her some slaps, pushed her this way and that, tore her clothes and left her almost naked,” said an eye witness who deals in assorted second hand spare parts. He pleaded not to be named.
Gondwe is reportedly a staunch supporter of the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) whose founder, late Dr Chakufwa Thom Chihana, hailed from the district. Chihana also played a fundamental part in transforming the country into multiparty politics.
But Rumphi Police Spokesperson Victor Khamisi down played the rough treatment on the woman.
“There is no issue here. Her hospital report only indicates that she was given Panado. Can someone who has been seriously roughed up be given Panado? said police spokesman.
Nevertheless we are investigating the matter,” Khamisi said in an interview before cutting the line.
DPP deputy spokesperson Wyson Mkochi who was in the district said he could not sympathise with Gondwe.
Mutharika is trying to bring development in the north and someone doesn’t want to support him here, you think I can feel sorry for her, said Mkochi.
The President is in the north addressing campaign meetings ahead of next year polls.
Nyasa Times