Malawi Network for Older Persons’ Organizations (Manepo) has called on the Malawi Police Service (MPS) to arrest perpetrators involved in the brutal killing of an old woman at Fumbwa village, T/A Tambala in Dedza.
She was stoned to death by a mob over witchcraft allegations.
In a statement signed by Executive Director Andrew Kavala, Manepo has condemned the act, calling on Malawians to be aware that it is an unbecoming for one, let alone older persons, to live under a cloud of suspicion.
Commenting on the issue on social media, activist Thandi wa Pulimuheya said authorities should deal with the issue of violence against women.
“This issue must not drop off the agenda until it is dealt with decisively! We are not animals in the jungle. Women’s lives of ALL ages matter. Seeing those men happily taking a woman to a stoning show in broad day light just made me so sick with amber today. We can’t carry on begging for the right to live and exist.. it’s got to stop,” she wrote on Facebook.
Meanwhile, Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has challenged President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera to publicly denounce the regrettable incidence.
According to CDEDI, some Malawians have for a long time resorted to taking the law into their own hands by administering mob justice, hence the need for the Malawi leader to rise to the occasion and warn the perpetrators of such acts and indeed all the citizens of this country, that Malawi has existing laws that are in effect, and that such laws do not give room for mob justice.
Meanwhile, Homeland Security Minister Richard Chimwendo Banda has assured Malawians that the murder of the woman will be investigated.
The Malawi Human Rights Commission has also assured Malawians that the broad and systematic abuse of elderly women will be on their attention list.
