Shayne
05-18-2006, 11:12 PM
http://www.dailytimes.bppmw.com/images/vandalisedMugaberoadplague.jpg
Thieves Tuesday night stole a plaque inscribed with Robert Mugabe High Way which the Zimbabwe leader opened a couple of weeks ago, it has been established.
There were two helpless police officers guarding the vandalised structure when The Daily Times crew visited the place in Limbe, Blantyre Wednesday morning.
One of the officers carried a rifle while the other was sitting in a shade of shrubs behind the structure.
Government’s naming of the Midima road after Zimbabwe's controversial leader met with stiff resistance from a section of the public particularly the civil society.
They argued that christening the road after a leader who has compromised on human rights in his country was unacceptable in a democracy like Malawi.
Southern Region Police public relations officer Rhoda Manjolo confirmed the theft.
She said about 30 vandals, who removed the plaque, overpowered two police officers who were on patrol around the area during the night.
“Our officers saw these people and they tried their best to save the plaque. But the vandals were too many for our officers. They also attacked our men. You know they are also human beings,” bemoaned Manjolo.
She said investigations were underway to arrest the suspects.
Police started guarding the structure soon after Mugabe and President Bingu wa Mutharika officially inaugurated the road on April 4.
Manjolo asked for more time to establish whether police officers were guarding the structure on Tuesday night.
A comment could not be immediately sought from Minister of Transport and Public Works Henry Mussa on what government would do next.
http://www.dailytimes.bppmw.com/article.asp?ArticleID=1784
Thieves Tuesday night stole a plaque inscribed with Robert Mugabe High Way which the Zimbabwe leader opened a couple of weeks ago, it has been established.
There were two helpless police officers guarding the vandalised structure when The Daily Times crew visited the place in Limbe, Blantyre Wednesday morning.
One of the officers carried a rifle while the other was sitting in a shade of shrubs behind the structure.
Government’s naming of the Midima road after Zimbabwe's controversial leader met with stiff resistance from a section of the public particularly the civil society.
They argued that christening the road after a leader who has compromised on human rights in his country was unacceptable in a democracy like Malawi.
Southern Region Police public relations officer Rhoda Manjolo confirmed the theft.
She said about 30 vandals, who removed the plaque, overpowered two police officers who were on patrol around the area during the night.
“Our officers saw these people and they tried their best to save the plaque. But the vandals were too many for our officers. They also attacked our men. You know they are also human beings,” bemoaned Manjolo.
She said investigations were underway to arrest the suspects.
Police started guarding the structure soon after Mugabe and President Bingu wa Mutharika officially inaugurated the road on April 4.
Manjolo asked for more time to establish whether police officers were guarding the structure on Tuesday night.
A comment could not be immediately sought from Minister of Transport and Public Works Henry Mussa on what government would do next.
http://www.dailytimes.bppmw.com/article.asp?ArticleID=1784