By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Police Service (MPS) has intensified its warning against attacks on people with albinism, declaring that no stone will be left unturned in bringing perpetrators to justice following the brutal killing of Chipiliro Laston in Lilongwe.
Speaking on Tuesday during the emotional funeral ceremony of the 45-year-old man at Chilembwe Village, Traditional Authority (T.A) Masumbankhunda, Deputy Director of Community Policing Alexander Ngwala assured mourners that police are relentlessly pursuing all those connected to the murder.
Ngwala revealed that one suspect is already in police custody while two others remain on the run, with police launching a manhunt to track them down.
“It is deeply painful and shocking that some relatives are allegedly involved in these horrific crimes,” said Ngwala. “People with albinism are human beings like everyone else, and there is absolutely no market for their body parts.”
His remarks came amid grief, anger, and renewed fear among people with albinism, who continue to face deadly attacks driven by harmful myths and superstitious beliefs.
Ngwala warned communities against being lured by false promises of quick riches through ritual killings, urging people to seek honest and lawful ways of earning a living.
Senior Group Village Head Samuel, representing Senior Chief Masumbankhunda, together with area legislator Peter Dimba, praised the police for swiftly arresting one suspect in connection with Laston’s murder.
The two leaders appealed for calm and patience as investigations continue, assuring the grieving community that justice must prevail.
Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi (APAM) President Young Muhamba also commended the police for their rapid response, describing the arrest as a significant step toward ending violence against people with albinism.
Muhamba pledged continued cooperation with law enforcement agencies to ensure that all those behind Laston’s killing are brought before the courts.
The funeral drew a strong police presence, including Lilongwe Region Deputy Commissioner of Police Micklina Medi, Lilongwe Police Station Officer-in-Charge Assistant Commissioner of Police Patricia Njawiri, and officers from the Central West Region, C Division, Lilongwe, Kawale, Lingadzi, and Kanengo police formations.