By Jones Gadama
The Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza, has announced plans to discuss with the Chief Justice, Rizine Mzikamanda, to expedite cases of elder abuse.
Speaking at a commemoration event for older persons at Bindula in the area of Senior Chief Malili, Sendeza noted that elder abuse cases are often delayed due to family ties between the perpetrators and the victims.
Sendeza highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement in handling elder abuse cases, where family members often intervene to settle disputes, leading to cases being closed. “It’s difficult because when the police get involved, the family members often go and close the case, but we want this to stop,” Sendeza said.
Andrew Kavala, head of the Malawi Network of Older Persons Organizations (Manepo), emphasized that older persons continue to face abuse, particularly accusations of witchcraft.
He called for the implementation of the Elderly Persons Protection Act, enacted in 2024, to protect older persons from abuse.
At the event, Manepo distributed blankets to 100 older persons, highlighting the organization’s commitment to supporting vulnerable members of society.
The government’s initiative to fast-track elder abuse cases is a step towards ensuring justice and protection for older persons in Malawi.
