The Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) and the Centre for Development of People (Cedep) have called on the Malawi Police Service (MPS) to expedite investigations into recent cases of violence against elderly individuals accused of witchcraft.
In a joint press statement signed by CHRR Executive Director Michael Kaiyatsa and Cedep Executive Director Gift Trapence, the organizations highlighted the recent killing of an elderly person in Karonga and the harassment of another in Mulanje as critical failures of law enforcement and justice systems to protect vulnerable citizens.
The statement criticized the MPS for perceived inaction, noting the absence of arrests or prosecutions in many such cases. “This blatant inaction by the Malawi Police Service represents a catastrophic failure in the administration of justice. It is unacceptable that most cases of witchcraft-related killings remain unresolved, allowing a culture of impunity to flourish,” the statement read.
National Police Spokesperson Peter Kalaya, however, refuted the allegations of inaction. He confirmed that a suspect in the Karonga incident has been arrested and is expected to appear in court this week. Kalaya added that efforts are underway to apprehend those responsible for the Mulanje incident.
Kalaya also called on Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to move beyond issuing press statements and actively participate in sensitizing communities against violence targeting elderly persons. “There is no way people should be killing the elderly, claiming they are blocking rains. This needs a mindset change, and we urge CSOs to join us in raising awareness to protect the rights of elderly individuals,” he stated.
The appeal from CHRR and Cedep follows an alarming rise in cases of violence against elderly persons, often based on unproven witchcraft allegations. Both organizations urged the government and stakeholders to take stronger action to end the culture of impunity and protect the rights of all citizens, particularly the elderly, who are among the most vulnerable.
