By Jones Gadama
Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Mary Navicha has condemned mob justice, saying it continues to expose many Malawians to violence and trauma, with women, children and older persons bearing the heaviest burden.
Navicha made the remarks in Chikwawa during a community policing open day awareness campaign focused on ending mob justice. The event brought together community leaders, law enforcement officers and residents to discuss practical ways of preventing extrajudicial violence and strengthening trust between communities and the police.
The Minister said mob justice not only violates the law but also inflicts lasting harm on victims and witnesses. She singled out children who witness such acts as particularly vulnerable, noting that exposure to violence often leaves deep psychological scars.
“My ministry will continue providing counselling and appropriate support to children who witness these incidents to protect their mental well-being,” Navicha said. She added that the government is committed to working with traditional leaders, civil society and the police to promote lawful channels for resolving disputes.
Navicha called on communities in Chikwawa and across the country to reject mob justice and instead report suspected crimes to the police for proper investigation and prosecution. She stressed that sustainable peace and safety depend on building partnerships between citizens and law enforcement under the community policing model.
The awareness campaign in Chikwawa forms part of a nationwide push to raise public understanding of the dangers of mob violence and to encourage alternative, lawful approaches to justice.
The event was held under the theme of strengthening community-police partnerships for safer neighborhoods, with officials urging residents to take an active role in crime prevention without resorting to violence.
