YAS Accuses Kawalazi Estate of Harassing Community Members

The Youth and Society (YAS) organization has written the Malawi Human Rights Commission urging it to investigate Kawalazi Estate Company and Malawi Police Service (MPS) over human rights violations against community members surrounding the estate in Nkhata-Bay.

According to YAS Executive director, Charles Kajoloweka, the alleged violations of s3xual harassment against women, torture and destruction of people’s crops come from land quarrels that have been in existence for a long time and need to be investigated.

”We have officially urged the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) to institute an investigation into serious human rights abuses allegedly unleashed by Kawalazi Estate and the Police against communities bordering Kawalazi estate. Allegations range from mid-night sexual abuse of women by Police, destruction of crops, arbitrary arrests, death threats against community leaders, to constant police intimidation. We demand full accountability of the alleged abuses,” read the statement.

Executive director for Malawi Human Rights Commission, Habiba Osman while confirming receiving the document said the commission will commence investigations into the matter after reviewing the complaints.

National police spokesperson, Peter Kalaya have also confirmed receiving the copy of the letter but reserved his comment as the letter has been directly addressed to the Malawi Human Rights Commission.