BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi’s Shire Valley is reeling after a wave of mob attacks claimed eight lives in just two weeks, with police officers working tirelessly to quell the violence on Kamuzu Day, the founding president’s ceremonial birthday.
The latest victim was one of two men injured in superstitious attacks, who succumbed to his injuries in the early hours of May 14.
The Ministry of Homeland Security has deployed at least 300 police officers to the districts of Chikwawa and Nsanje, where the attacks have stirred terror.
Southeast Region Police Commissioner Frank Kamukumu stated that detectives, police mobile service, and general duties police officers have arrested over 90 people in connection with the mob attacks, which initially claimed six lives in the two districts.
“Our detectives are working hard in the affected communities, making arrests and spreading messages against the misinformation,” Kamukumu said.
Kamukumu emphasized that no one has lost their private parts, and the police will take action against anyone spreading false information, which has affected public order.
He urged civilians in the Shire Valley to stop transmitting fake news, assuring that the security agency will protect whistleblowers who are central to ending the deadly world of mob justice.
The attacks are linked to rumors of genital theft, a phenomenon that has been reported in other African countries.
Medical professionals have dismissed these claims as baseless, and authorities are working to address the underlying issues driving these violent attacks.