MANEPO condemns killing of a couple suspected of practicing witchcraft in Ntchisi

Malawi Network for Older Persons Organisations (MANEPO) has condemned the killing of a couple suspected of practicing witchcraft in Ntchisi District.

On November 19, an angry mob descended on an innocent couple, Dickson Thomas, 78 and Veronica Simeon, 69 at M’njeza village, Traditonal Authority Nthondo, in Ntchisi District.

The couple was accused of having a hand in the death of 13 year old boy.

In a statement released recently made available to Faceofmalawi, MANEPO said the killing of the couple is uncalled for.

“Manepo wishes to remind all Malawians that it is very unbecoming for one, let alone older persons, to live under a cloud of suspicion. We passed the era when one could do what it pleases, without being restrained by the muscle of the law.

“It is imperative that everyone should use proper channels to address concerns, for one cannot concurrently play the roles of an accuser, prosecutor and judge,” reads part of the statement signed by Andrew Kavala.

Manepo said Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights stipulates that no one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.

“More so, the recently adopted African Union Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Older Persons in Africa calls for each African state to be responsible for developing and reviewing existing legislation to ensure older persons receive equal treatment and protection and ensure that law enforcement officers at all levels are trained to effectively interpret and enforce policies and legislation to protect the rights of older persons.”

Belief in witchcraft in Malawi runs deep, although the Malawi’s Witchcraft Act of 1911 doesn’t recognise existence of witchcraft and states that it is an offence to accuse anyone of practicing witchcraft.