Human Rights Opinion

Take On It:President, cabinet, laissez-faire on outcry on police rapists

2 Min Read

6…but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.

And David enquired at the Lord, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all. — 1 Samuel 30:6b-,

President, cabinet, laissez-faire on outcry on police rapists

If the rampant indiscriminate looting and wrecking of shops during demonstrations were the regrettable aftermaths of the May 21, 2019, tripartite elections; or blue painted phanga-welding young DPP retaliate with their own threatening demonstrations unforeseeable; the wide-spread on-camera of women complaining of being sexually molested or raped by members of the police, is extremely deplorable, alarming and should be condemned. The perpetrators should be brought to justice.

To the alarm and chagrin of the women who were raped, molested, or abused, the authorities, from the President, cabinet, police, and others in authority, have not made any comment decrying these repeated criminal acts by law enforcement officers.

The continued widespread police attack on women is taking place against a backdrop of a laissez faire government that while enjoying the benefits of a life of comfort and luxury from the proceeds of taxes, has not come to the aid of the women, issue a condemnation and cautionary statements.

The sexual abuse of women is a criminal offense punishable by a prison sentence. But it is also tarnishing the image of the political party these young democrats represent.

The selfish acts by the party operatives are causing people to recall how former President Dr. H. Kamuzu Banda dealt with errant political operatives: they lost their jobs, and some were put in jail. This is how the government should act.

Currently, the government under President peter Mutharika, by its inactivity, shown itself to endorsing the young democrats that are performing the illegal act and supporting the policemen that are indiscriminately raping women.

The women have come out and agreed to go on camera and recount their horrendous experiences of the arrogant sexual assaults perpetrated by the people that are paid salaries (through taxes) with the women they are raping.

There are many questions that many people and organizations in Malawi are asking/. Among them are where are the DPP women?  Why are they not speaking on behalf of their fellow women?

Where are the DPP men (who themselves are husbands)? How would you feel should you return home and find that your wife or sister has been raped? How would you feel if you found that your daughter has been killed?

Where is President Peter Mutharika? Where is the First Lady Madame Gertrude Mutharika? Where are the women cabinet ministers and women parliamentarians? Where is Homeland Affairs Minister Dausi?

We call for justice to triumph in Malawi.

Janet Karim

Author, high school Learning Disabilities Teacher, candidate Master of Education Special Education, Mason University; highly organized, charismatic and persuasive Communications Specialist and accomplished Journalist, Editor with 41 years in the communications field, offering expertise in all phases of print, broadcast, telecast, and social media productions. Enthusiastic story teller. Highly-motivated and trained media professional possessing exceptional writing and editing skills with ability to draft engaging and effective content; Opinion column contributor for leading national dailies (Maravi Post – 2015-PRESENT; Nation Malawi – 2015-PRESENT; Times Malawi (2004-2007). Other areas of expertise include grant writing and NGO project management. Highly trained in international, regional and local lobbying and election skills. Collaborates with international companies to initiate development policy change and foster public awareness, with deep commitment to social justice and health care equity; especially in work towards women’s political, economic, and social empowerment; ending child, early and forced marriage; and promoting the human rights of the elderly. Advocate for highlighting climate change its effects on the planet. International development work experience with the United Nations headquarters (10 years, and two years UNDP field work); field experience (Malawi) – Oxfam, UNDP, UNICEF and UNESCO. Superb public speaker who communicates effectively with target audiences through strategic one-to-one or large audiences, expert in event planning and PR campaigns. Conscientious, diplomatic, and tactful in all communicationsg.