Tag Archives: Albino Killings

Lifestyle

Rising Albino Killings Resurface under Chakwera’s Leadership: A Troubling Concern Moreover Dominating Headlines

Maravi Post Reporter

By Twink Jones Gadama

The resurgence of albino killings in Malawi has raised alarming concerns, casting a shadow on President Chakwera’s leadership. This heinous crime, which had seen some decline in recent years, has unexpectedly surged once again, leaving the nation grappling with the safety and protection of its vulnerable albino population. This article aims to shed light on the alarming situation, exploring the factors contributing to the resurgence of these grisly acts under Chakwera’s administration. Furthermore, it emphasizes the urgency for swift action to address the underlying issues and safeguard the lives and rights of all citizens, regardless of their physical attributes.

Increasing Albino Killings

Despite some progress made in combating albino killings in previous years, Malawi has witnessed a disturbing increase in such incidents under President Chakwera’s leadership. The brutal killings of albinos have resurfaced, indicating a failure in implementing effective measures to protect this marginalized community.

 Furthermore, recent reports reveal that the number of reported attacks has significantly risen in the past year, compelling us to examine the situation intensified by this administration.

Lack of Enforcement and Justice

The resurgence of albino killings also points to a concerning lack of enforcement and justice. It is distressing to note that despite the government’s promises to prioritize the safety of albinos, little action has been taken to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators. The absence of swift and decisive action against these criminals further fuels a sense of impunity, encouraging a vicious cycle of violence. Moreover, the failure to bring justice to the families and communities affected deepens the fear and vulnerability experienced by the albino population.

Negligence and Inadequate Measures

The resurgence of albino killings highlights a sense of negligence and inadequate measures in place to protect this vulnerable group. It is the responsibility of the government to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens, regardless of their physical appearance. However, the lack of sufficient resources allocated to programs aimed at educating and sensitizing communities about the rights of albinos has left them exposed to discrimination and violence.

Furthermore, the absence of comprehensive social and economic support for albinos only exacerbates their vulnerability, leading to a perpetuation of the atrocities faced by this community.

It is surprising to note that no-one has been prosecuted and convicted of albino killing under Chakwera despite his assurance that he knew the suspects who were in this henious act.

In conclusion, the resurfacing of albino killings in Malawi under President Chakwera’s leadership is a distressing and compelling concern that demands immediate attention. The increasing number of reported attacks, the lack of enforcement and justice, as well as the negligence and inadequate measures, indicate a failure to effectively address this grave issue. Therefore, it is imperative that Chakwera and his administration intensify efforts to protect the rights and lives of albinos, prioritize resource allocation for their safety, and ensure justice is served to those responsible for these horrifying crimes. The safety and protection of all citizens must remain a fundamental pillar of any successful administration.

Lifestyle, Regional

Malawi President Mutharika says UN sending experts to investigate albino killings

Malawi News Agency (MANA)

Gertrude and Peter Mutharika
Mr and Mrs President Peter Mutharika – PICS CREDIT: Kondwani Magombo, Malawi News Agency (Mana) Photojournalist

Machinga, March 14, 2019: President Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika has disclosed that the United Nations will be sending two experts to investigate the spate of albino abductions and killings in Malawi in the next two weeks.

Mutharika made the disclosure on Thursday at Joho Primary School, Nsanama in Machinga where he visited families who were affected by the continuous rains that fell between March 5 and 8 this year.

The president departed from his prepared consolation speech to the disaster affected communities to inform the nation that government would soon get to the bottom of the albino killings.

“Let me make this announcement here that the United Nations is sending two experts to investigate the killings of people with albinism and to establish where the market — if any — is located,” said Mutharika.

He condemned the attacks and killings of people with albinism describing it as: senseless acts fueled by ignorance and stupidity.

“About 25 people have been killed so far since all this madness started; now, tell me: who has become rich because of the killings of persons with albinism for their body parts?” queried Mutharika.

Commenting on the disaster, Mutharika assured the displaced families that government would do everything it can to help them rebuild their lives.

“I have directed the minister responsible for the Malata and Cement Subsidy Program to make sure that all those who have had their houses destroyed by the rains should be assisted to build new houses,” Mutharika assured.

According to Machinga District Commissioner, Bester Mandere all traditional authorities in Machinga have been affected by the disaster which has killed five people and left over 29, 000 households destitute.

Mandere said the total number of affected people in the district is 145, 155 most of them women and children, saying: “The number of people who have been affected by the disaster is equivalent to 23 percent of the total population of the district.”

Joho Primary School Evacuation Camp which President Mutharika visited is hosting 137 people from 45 families and among them are the elderly, men and women, adolescents and under-fives.

The people have so far been assisted with food items, blankets, kitchen utensils and shelter kits, courtesy of the Department of Disaster Management Affairs and Malawi Red Cross Society.

At the time of going to press, Mutharika had proceeded to Pirimiti and Jali in the area of Traditional Authority Mwambo in Zomba where people have equally been affected by the disaster.

Lifestyle, Regional

Malawi Police block Albino Protest, Leaders insist they want President Mutharika to heed their demands

Maravi Post Reporter

Albinos Protest in Malawi
Malawi police block protest by albinos

Malawi police yesterday blocked a protest by around 200 albinos who marched to the presidential palace to protest the killing and abduction of people living with albinism.

The group, joined by sympathizers, was stopped outside the parliament building, about a kilometer from Kamuzu Palace, where police formed a cordon to stop them.

Malawi has experienced a spike in violent attacks on people with albinism over the past four years. In many cases those with albinism are targeted for their body parts to be used in witchcraft.

The Association of People with Albinism in Malawi said they are frustrated by government inertia. The vigil was aimed at forcing President Peter Mutharika into action.

Albino Protest
Malawi police yesterday blocked a protest by around 200 albinos who marched to the presidential palace to protest the killing and abduction of people living with albinism.

According to a programme which Chief Secretary to the Government Lloyd Muhara released on Friday, Malawi President Peter Mutharika travelled to commission Mzimba Integrated Urban Water and Sanitation Project in the Northern part of the country. Police later allowed the rally to move closer. But the protesters vowed to camp at the palace until the President returns.

This was done despite The Lilongwe City Council (LCC) telling the Association of Persons Living with Albinism in Malawi (Apam) and other civil society organizations (CSOs) that they cannot deliver their petition to State House and should instead deliver it to the city’s civic offices.

“We will not leave the state house until the issues that President Mutharika promised have been fulfilled, including … giving each one of us security alarms,” said the association’s leader Overstone Kondowe.

Albino Protest
Half-naked protests over albino killings! June 24 , 2016 – Archive Photo by Gallo Images

The alarm gadgets will be linked to police stations and can be activated if an albino is in danger.

An albino is someone who is born with an absence of skin and hair pigmentation. This usually results in an albino having pale hair, eyes, and skin. Some people who are considered to be albinos find the term offensive, although there are many different opinions about this in the community.

In a June 2018 report, rights group Amnesty International said since November 2014 there have been 148 crimes reported against people with albinism that have claimed at least 21 lives.

Only 30 percent of those attacks have been properly investigated, according to official statistics, with only one murder and one attempted murder case successfully prosecuted.

District News, Law and order

Malawi President issues stern warning to political rivals not to politicise the albino Killings

MaraviPost

Peter Mutharika
Malawi President Mutharika warns people against politicizing albino killings

In a statement signed by Presidential Press Secretary & Spokesperson Mgeme Kalilani, President Mutharika expressed sadness that some political leaders have chosen to use the unfortunate attacks and murders of people with albinism to score cheap political gains.

“It is immoral for any political leader to sink so low and use the suffering of our brothers and sisters with albinism for political gain,” said President Mutharika, while calling upon people with albinism to watch out for power hungry politicians that are bent on trying to use their plight for political gains.

In the statement, the Malawi leader reiterated that claims or beliefs that one can get riches using albino body parts are absurd and primitive.

He further called “upon traditional leaders and the faith community to join hands with government in restoring our evidently compromised social moral fabric which is apparently giving room to these barbaric beliefs and crimes against people with albinism”.

President Mutharika also commended the community in Sub-Traditional Authority Mchinguza in Machinga district and the community in the area of Traditional Authority Chingala in Lilongwe for their vigilance which foiled attempted attacks on persons with albinism in their communities a couple of days ago.

“Vigilance as demonstrated by people of the two communities is effective. Government will support such vigilance by investigating the perpetrators of the attacks and ensure that they face the long arm of the law,” added President Mutharika.

Meanwhile, Police in Dedza have arrested three people in connection with the abduction of Goodwin Fanizo a 14 year-old-boy with albinism in the district.

Disclosing this to MBC, national Police Public Relations Officer James Kadadzera said police have arrested the three on suspicion that they took part in the abduction of the boy.

Said Kadadzera: “After receiving the reports of the abduction, we went full throttle on the ground following every lead that we had and as police we have arrested three suspects who are connected to the abduction of the albino boy. We however appeal to all Malawians to work hand in hand with the police. However we are very saddened by few unpatriotic Malawians who have an evil mind and are still haunting people with albinism,” said Kadadzera.

Goodwin Fanizo was abducted on Wednesday evening in his Mphanyama Village.

Lifestyle

Malawi’s aftermath of Albino killings: Man abandons wife to marry form two albino girl in Lilongwe

Lloyd M’bwana

 

Albino Killings
Homeless albino family In Malawi after being hunted

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost) – A female headed-family with nine children that four of them are girls living with albinism, accepted to marry a form-two secondary school albino girl in the capital Lilongwe, Maravi Post can reveal.

The family migrated from Mangochi to the capital in 2016 for security over the four albino girls is homeless living on hand to mouth at Area 25B in the city. Continue reading Malawi’s aftermath of Albino killings: Man abandons wife to marry form two albino girl in Lilongwe →

Malawi

Malawi naked demonstrations against Albino Killings ready—Bon Kalindo

Maravi Post correspondent

Kalindo; ready with naked demonstrations against people with Albinism
Kalindo; ready with naked demonstrations against people with Albinism

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)—The governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)’s Member of Parliament for Mulanje South, Bon Kalindo and human rights defenders Billy Mayaya and Frederick Mkula, who are the main organizers of the first ever Malawi naked demonstrations against the killings of Albinos say that all is set for the historic protest. Continue reading Malawi naked demonstrations against Albino Killings ready—Bon Kalindo →

Lifestyle, Regional

Malawi: Political Scientist, chiefs, denounce naked demonstrations on Albino Killings

MaraviPost 1 Comment

Young Albino
Life of such beautiful and handsome Albino kids under threat as govt struggles to find a solution on containing the situation

Political Scientists, Associate Professor Mustapha Hussein, who is also dean of administrative studies at the Chancellor College, a constituent college of the University of Malawi, has advised organizers of the naked demonstrations to find alternative means of expressing their anger on the killings and maiming of albinos currently happening in the country. Continue reading Malawi: Political Scientist, chiefs, denounce naked demonstrations on Albino Killings →

Malawi

Malawi High Court in Mzuzu unleashes life in imprisonment sentence: Albino killings crackdown

Maravi Post correspondent

Madise posing with Lawyers in the Northern region ( Library photo)

MZUZU (MaraviPost)—It does not get sweeter than this in the fight against Albino killings as Malawi High court in Mzuzu gave a judicial punch of life imprisonment sentence to one Samson Banda who was found guilty of attempting to kill a person with Albinism. It is said in Law that a maximum sentence is reserved for the worst offender who is normally not yet born but presiding judge Dingiswayo Madise was all smiles on Wednesday when he stated that he had found the worst offender in Samson Banda.

The material facts of the case are that Samson Kaumba and Fiskani Mtambo were accused of coaxing an Albino boy, Morton Juma, 11, into a bush where they hacked him on the neck and left biceps in a shocking episode of the infamous Albino killings in September last year.

The state, as is the standard in criminal offences, proved beyond reasonable doubt that Kaumba committed the offence prompting Judge Madise to deliver the landmark judgment that Kaumba should spend the rest of his life in prison with no opportunity for pardon.

His co-accused Fiskani Mtambo should thank heavens for being off the hook as the judge said that the state had failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt the culpability of the second accused.

Senior chief state advocate Dzikondianthu Malunda embraced the sentence meted out on Kaumba as a cause for celebration as the country grapples to clampdown on the killings.

“Justice has won,” Malunda told reporters outside the court.

In his reasoning, the state lawyer said attempted murder is no different from cold-blood murder as both are fuelled with the intention to kill and the victim did not survive by the mercy of his assailants but by chance and divine intervention.

In mitigation, defence lawyer Chimwemwe Chithope described the convict as a first offender, youthful, sickly and deserving of mercy, saying the offence was “a mere attempt”.

He asked the court to treat the attempted murder of persons with albinism like any other based on the principal of equality before the law.

The judge overruled the calls for a lesser sentence but rhetorically nodded to the legal myth that maximum sentences are reserved for worst offenders.

“Today I have that worst offender before me,” said the judge as he admonished the convict and his unknown accomplices for setting out to kill Morton like a chicken or goat.

Meanwhile, Mzuzu academy has offered the young Morton a scholarship.  The young boy dropped out of school for fear of being hacked by these vampires.

Malawi

Abomination! Malawi man arrested for planning to kill his 8 months albino son

Maravi Post correspondent

Life of such beautiful and handsome Albino kids under threat as govt struggles to find a solution on containing the situation
Life of such beautiful and handsome Albino kids under threat as govt struggles to find a solution on containing the situation

ENGUCWINI, MZIMBA (MaraviPost)–Police in Malawi’s evergreen city of Mzuzu have arrested a 26 year old man Samuel Thaulo on suspicion that he was planning to kill his own 8 months Albino son in order to earn money by selling the bones. According to the northern region police spokesperson Peter Kalaya, the suspect hails from Mwalukira village, Traditional Authority Nthondo in Ntchisi district.

He said in the morning of 9 June this year, the man informed his wife about his plan but it ended in a fight as she denied.
“The the two were tobacco tenants in Engucwini near Enukweni in Mzimba district. And what happened was that the man wanted his wife to bow down to his evil needs but due to her denial the disagreement between the two started a development which led to fight,” said Kalaya.
“The woman managed to escape and reported the matter to the Enukweni police station where they referred her to Engucwini health center and it’s when we launched a man hunt,” he added.
He identified the woman as Rose Phiri 24 of Mseza village, Traditional Authority Mwazama in
Nkhotakota district.
According to Kalaya, the man will appear before the court soon. However, the police northern region spokesperson advised women with albino children to emulate good example shown by Phiri.
Cases of albino killing and abductions are increasing in the country, despite government and Non Governmental Organizations’ effort to eliminate it.
Recently, the Mzuzu high court ordered the ban of witch doctors in the country claiming they are
fueling to the malpractice.