By Paul Nsomba
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Authorities in Mulanje have asked people in the district to uphold and protect rights of the elderly and children
The call has been made when police and the district peace committee handed over victims of witchcraft incident that happened last year at bango village, group village headman Duswa in the area of traditional authority Sungani Nzeru in the district.
In his remarks,community policing coordinator in the district, inspector Naison Chibondo warned that anyone assaulting senior citizens basing on witchcraft or otherwise will be arrested.
Chibondo therefore asked people in the area to report to police about any abuses happening to the elderly and children.
“If anyone insults and assaults these people tell us immediately. It is our wish that these people will be at peace otherwise we will not hesitate to arrest anyone abusing them,” Chibondo warned.
Speaking earlier, senior chief Mthiramanja urged relatives and all people in the area to protect the victims saying it is their responsibility. He said it is strange to stay away from home because of baseless witchcraft allegations.
The senior chief who is also chairperson for the peace committee pledged that his committee will do everything possible to ensure peace in the district.
“My committee will do everything possible to ensure that peace in the district. I therefore, appeal to relatives and everyone to take care of these people” he said.
One of the relative, Samuel Masanjala pledged to support the senior citizens with whatever means. He said he was happy to see his parents and children back home.
Meanwhile, Director of Malawi Network for the Elderly people (Manepo) Andrew Kavala has condemned acts of abuse to the elderly men and women of any kind including witchcraft issues, calling for expeditious execution of cases perpetrated to the elderly.
Kavala has furthermore pleaded with the judiciary, chiefs, the community and other key stakeholders to team up and create a society that is free, just and conducive for everyone.
The 10 people and five children have been staying at safe home in the district after a fracus that happened at Bango village mid last year following the mysterious death of a boy.
Some people assaulted the victims accusing them of bewitching the boy but police whisked them away.
