Jones Gadama
Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare honorable Mary Navicha has raised alarm over the increasing number of violent attacks and killings of elderly people accused of witchcraft, describing it as a growing crisis in Malawi.
Speaking at a press briefing at Capital Hill in Lilongwe, Navicha said at least 16 elderly people have been killed since January this year.
She cited Chikwawa District alone, where five people have been killed in mob-related incidents.
“Since January, 16 elderly people have been killed across the country, with five of those cases recorded in Chikwawa District alone,” she said.
Navicha added that 46 people, including eight children, have been arrested in connection with the attacks. She condemned the acts and called on Malawians to reject mob justice and protect the elderly.
“I urge leaders, parents, the youth, and all Malawians to stop mob justice and instead protect our elderly. A country that is safe for the elderly is safe for everyone,” she said.
The minister said the trend of targeting older people on suspicion of witchcraft was undermining the rule of law and threatening social cohesion, especially in rural communities. She noted that such killings often happen without any formal investigation or evidence, leaving vulnerable citizens exposed to mob violence.
Navicha called on traditional leaders, religious leaders, and law enforcement agencies to work together to sensitize communities and ensure that suspects are reported to police rather than being subjected to mob attacks.
She stressed that protecting the elderly is a national responsibility and warned that failure to act could worsen the situation.
The remarks come amid growing concern from human rights groups over rising cases of mob justice in Malawi, particularly in areas where beliefs in witchcraft remain strong. Police have previously warned that mob justice is illegal and urged the public to allow the justice system to handle criminal matters.
