Police arrested Leo Mpulula coach for Azam Tigers FC for allegedly slapping journalist Peter Kanjere at the Nation Publications Limited (NPL) offices in Blantyre.
Both the police and Mpulula’s lawyer have confirmed the development.
Blantyre police spokesperson Lameck Thembachako told Nyasa Times that Mpulula was picked for attacking Kanjere and has since been charged with common assault.
“Yes, we arrested Mr. Mpulula and charged him with common assault. He was given police bail immediately.
“We’re still `investigating to establish what really happened and once we are done with the investigations then we will proceed with a court case,” explained Thembachako.
Mpulula: Charged
Private practice lawyer Chancy Gondwe told Nyasa Times that he has been hired to represent the outspoken coach.
“As defence we’re getting prepared with the case but I cannot tell you whether my client was on the wrong side of law or not. What I will tell you is that he was charged with common assault,” said Gondwe in an interview.
The controversial coach who is always in the papers for both good and wrong reasons, allegedly stormed the newsromm at Ginnery Corner in the commercial city Blantyre demanding to meet the deputy chief executive officer Alfred Ntonga.
However, he was told to meet sports editor Michael M’meya but Mpulula also refused accusing him of being among the bandwagon of scribes who write bad about him.
He is reported to have been angry with Kanjere following an article the reporter is alleged to have written headlined “Leo I don’t miss your voice” published in Nation on Sunday’s ‘Sunday Shot’ column of December 23, 2012.
This followed a self-imposed media blackout the coach issued on all media institutions citing unfair reporting of his team’s recent sluggish performance.