ELDERLY WOMAN BRUTALIZED BY MOB IN MULANJE

By Michael Martin//MALAWI

An 87-year-old woman, Laini Kaude, from Matewere village in the area of Traditional Authority Juma in Mulanje, was brutally attacked by a mob on 4th January 2024 .

The incident occurred while she was in her house, and the attackers allegedly accused her of practicing witchcraft.

Speaking in an interview, Catherine Namanya, Kaude’s granddaughter, the mob stormed into their home, armed with stones and other objects, with the intention of killing the elderly woman.

“They claimed that she was responsible for cussing rainfall, which they believed was a result of her alleged witchcraft,” she said.

Namanya reported that she managed to rescue her grandmother and took her to Namphongo Health Centre, where she received initial treatment.

She said her grandmother was later referred to Mulanje District Hospital for further medical attention.

In his remarks, Innocent Moses, the Mulanje Police Station’s Public Relations Officer, confirmed that the police are investigating the matter.

However, he requested time to gather more information before providing further details.

Andrew Kavala, Executive Director of the Malawi Network for Economic Justice (MANEPO), condemned the brutal attack on Kaude.

He urged the police to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

Kavala emphasized the need for the authorities to protect the rights of all citizens, including the elderly and vulnerable.

Witchcraft accusations and mob violence are not uncommon in Malawi. In 2020, a report by the Malawi Human Rights Commission revealed that at least 100 people were accused of witchcraft and subjected to violence, including murder, between 2016 and 2019.

The report highlighted the need for the government to take decisive action to address the issue and protect the rights of all citizens.

The incident involving Kaude serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater awareness and education about the dangers of witchcraft accusations and mob violence.

Again, it also underscores the importance of protecting the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly the elderly and vulnerable.