A former deputy speaker in Malawi has shot himself dead inside parliament in the capital, Lilongwe.
Clement Chiwaya, who moved in a wheelchair, had gone to the building on Thursday to discuss vehicle benefits entitled to him when he left office two years ago.
The incident might not be unconnected with his frustration in the implementation of his conditions of service.
Chiwaya, aged 50, bought his official vehicle at the end of his five-year term in 2019, as provided for in his contract but he had tried to get parliament to pay for damages incurred in an accident that happened after six months.
A statement from the parliament appeared to suggest that Chiwaya had secretly brought a gun into the high-security building.
“Parliament regrets to inform the public that the former deputy speaker committed suicide at the parliament building.
“Having been a person with a disability, the security scanner alerts were deemed to be from the wheelchair.
“Following the incident, parliament will enhance security measures for all categories of visitors to the Parliament building,” the statement said.
According to the statement, Honorable Chiwaya was involved in an accident while using his purchased vehicle. Unfortunately, the comprehensive insurance had expired at the time of the accident.
Police spokesperson, James Kadadzera also confirmed the incident but refused to give details until he had received a full report from investigators.
A source at parliament said that Chiwaya shot himself in the head inside the office of the clerk of parliament, Fiona Kalembera.
Before he became deputy speaker, Chiwaya served as a member of parliament from 2004.