The officers were deployed to the area to restore order following bloody scenes during the day which saw a senior police officer stoned to death.

An irate mob had blocked access roads to Msundwe, Mbwatalika and Mpingu stopping people from these areas from attending a planned rally by President Peter Mutharika in Lilongwe.

In a move seen as retribution to the death, the officers are alleged to have committed the heinous crimes later that night.

National Police Spokesperson James Kadadzera told Zodiak online that they are still investigating the matter.

“I think it’s very important to give space to investigators to do their work, without divulging bits of information because that normally jeopardizes the progress of investigations,” said Kadadzera.

Malawi Human Rights Commission MHRC which conducted an inquiry and recommended criminal investigations in the matter said it is dismayed with police procrastination at the expense of justice to the victims.

MHRC chairperson Patrick Semphere said “as Malawians, the commission is equally dismayed with the delay and we understand the concerns of Malawians and even as a Commission we are also concerned that this is taking too long, so that we can see those that might have done the malpractice brought to justice.”

Semphere however committed to continue engaging police on the progress of the criminal investigations.

Women rights activist Emma Kaliya says it is unfortunate that we keep hearing the same story: “People have completely lost trust in the police; the way that police discharge their duties is now questionable.”

“They should just tell us whether they do not want to release the result,” said Kaliya.

Other concerned parties sought redress on the matter.