Tag Archives: legal system in Malawi

‘Pretending Witchcraft’ and Rule of Law in Malawi

Malawi Courtroom
The court room at the Magistrate Court in Zomba, Malawi

Something is wrong with the legal system in Malawi, and all those who are concerned about the rule of law in African countries need to come to the aid of this Southern African country. The judges and magistrates in this country need help to interpret the law in an enlightened manner especially the witchcraft act.

Actually, the Witchcraft Act is outdated and should be repealed. Court officials need some urgent assistance to interpret provisions under the Witchcraft Act so that they can stop issuing verdicts and judgments that make a laughing stock of the judiciary in Malawi. Unfortunately, the witch hunting trend in the Malawian justice system has been going on for a while. Some years ago a women’s rights report revealed that over 50 women were jailed for being witches. Continue reading ‘Pretending Witchcraft’ and Rule of Law in Malawi