The Maravi Post

MZUZU—At least 38 tombstones have been desecrated in Malawi’s northern district of Mzimba, a development that’s instilled fear in people and left them scratching their heads for the motive.

“We are now living in fear and we don’t know what will come next. Traditionally, graveyards are the most respected and feared places where our ancestral spirits rest and for someone to go and destroy these graves is strange and mysterious,” said village headman Yakolowoka Zimba.

He said 13 tombstones were first discovered destroyed in his village in January and the incidents spread to five more villages Katongomala Botha, Dokeni Nyirenda, Kadoda Nyirenda, Kambuzi Mzumala and Mkunjuma.

The chief said people in the affected communities are yet to establish the motive behind the bizarre acts. He said it would help if police took the issue seriously.

Meanwhile, a member of parliament for the area confirmed the desecration of the tombstones and pledged to lean on police to probe the incidents.
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© The Maravi Post 2013

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