PACPWA meeting Mutharika on albino killings

Members of the newly-formed Poor and Concerned People with Albinism (PACPWA) are today meeting President Peter Mutharika at State House in the capital Lilongwe.

Secretary General of the grouping Ellen Khonje, earlier on Thursday took advantage of the group’s meeting with State President Peter Mutharika to issue several demands.

Khonje read out a presentation in which she clearly said the association wants action on the issue of killing and abductions of people with albinism.

She said the National Action on persons with Albinism must be immediately financed, saying the K45 million government claims to have set aside is not enough.

She also said the association demands an inquest into the death of Buleya Lule, a suspect in the case of the abduction of a boy with albinism in Dedza District, Goodwin Makanjira.

Khonje said the Malawi Defence Fore should be involved in the protection of people with albinism.

She also said politicians, both in government and opposition, must stop politicising the issue of people with albinism.

Speaking earlier, President Mutharika said government is committed to protecting people with albinism, adding it is currently purchasing 3,000 alarms which people with albinism will be using to alert the police of any possible danger to their lives.

Mutharika said he has instructed the Ministry of Justice to engage experts in investigating the attacks.

The President has also said a reward of K5 million will be given to any person giving credible information leading to the arrest of people behind the killings and abductions.

Meanwhile the meeting is currently underway.