Guterres has made reference to the recent incident where an office of the UTM was set on fire and four people got injured.

He extended a message of condolences to the families of the three civilians, including a child, that were killed last week in Lilongwe.

No one has been arrested in connection with the offence a couple of weeks ago.

The UN Secretary General has reiterated his call for all stakeholders to uphold the rule of law, observe human rights and promote peace particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He has assured continued support to Malawi by the UN team, under the leadership of the Resident Coordinator.

He said this in Tuesday's press briefing through his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric de la Riviere.

“The Secretary-General expresses concern over the mounting violence, and he extends his condolences to the families of the three civilians, including a child, that were killed last week.

“The Secretary-General reiterates his call for all stakeholders to uphold the rule of law, observe human rights and promote peace,” reads part of the statement.

Pockets of violence in the country have been reported in Dowa, Lilongwe, Thyolo, Mulanje, Blantyre and Rumphi as the country prepares for fresh presidential election.