Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Patricia Kaliati has condemned the public who record videos, take pictures and watch criminal cases being committed instead of offering assistance.

The minister said this on Thursday in Lilongwe during the press briefing on condemning extreme inhuman forms of gender based violence such as killing of elderly people on allegations of witchcraft and defilement cases happening in the country.

“I condemn in the strongest terms, the circulation of videos and pictures exposing the real identities of women, the elderly and children being abused in various districts in the country,” she said.

Minister Kaliati also appealed to the general public to use social media responsibly and not subject victims of abuse to shame, ridicule and emotional abuse.

“Let me warn all of those who do this that they display the worst form of neglect, irresponsibility. Such people should be treated as accomplices to the crime,” Kaliati said.

She said government will use available legal resource such as the Republican Constitution, to ensure that all the perpetrators of heinous acts are brought to justice and given stiffer punishments.

She then requested traditional leaders in the country to mobilise themselves and develop by-laws to protect women and children rather than condone abuse and violence in their areas.

The minister also appealed to service providers such as non-governmental organisations and Malawi Police Service to act quickly when incidences of abuse happen and refrain from corrupt practices to protect perpetrators of crime and abuse.

“If people lose trust in public officers, they are more likely to indulge in mob justice.  Be vigilant to prevent crime and deal decisively with those found on the wrong side of the law,” she urged.

NGO Gender Coordinating Network (NGO-GCN) representative, Jessie Ching’oma promised to work with government to curb gender based violence and also appealed to the public to make the country a safe place to live in.

“Do not condone acts of violence, let us all be each other’s keeper.  Be human, be a good citizen, and fear the law because if you don’t, you will be punished once you are caught,” she said.