Update: Following earlier reports of Blantyre Mayor Isaac Jomo Osman facing a police investigation over a viral assault video, human rights organisations are demanding his immediate arrest and prosecution. According to Nyasa Times, the Malawi Human Rights Commission and the Human Rights Consultative Committee issued statements threatening court action if authorities fail to act. The rights groups argue that the mayor had no right to take the law into his own hands by physically assaulting a woman accused of buying stolen goods, warning that his conduct sets a dangerous precedent for mob justice.
National Police spokesperson Lael Chimtembo confirmed that Osman was summoned to the regional police headquarters where a caution statement was recorded, Nation Online reports. The mayor initially defended his actions in an interview with Zodiak Online, arguing that the public should focus on the woman's alleged criminal activity. However, Maravi Express notes that he subsequently issued a formal statement taking full responsibility for the incident. According to Nation Online, Osman publicly apologised to the woman involved and conceded that his actions fell short of the legal standards expected of a public official.