By Jones Gadama
Minister of Gender Hon Mary Navicha has appealed to Malawians to stop spreading fake news that is fueling violence and leaving children without parents in parts of the Southern Region.
Speaking in Chikwawa on Wednesday after meeting communities over the alleged disappearance of male private parts, Navicha said the false claims have already cost lives and risk creating a generation of orphans.
She said people must refrain from circulating unverified information that incites mob justice and results in the killing of innocent individuals.
“Some of this fake news is making children lose their parents. When dependants are killed because of baseless accusations, we create a state of orphanhood that will haunt this country for years,” Navicha said. She called on chiefs, religious leaders, and community members to act as guardians of truth and to report suspects to the police instead of taking the law into their own hands.
The minister’s remarks follow weeks of panic in Chikwawa and Nsanje, where rumors about men’s private parts disappearing spread rapidly through WhatsApp and word of mouth.
Police say the claims are entirely false and have no medical or forensic basis. Despite this, the allegations triggered violent attacks in which at least seven people were killed after being accused of being behind the supposed incidents. Several others were injured and property was destroyed during the unrest.
Authorities have arrested a number of suspects in connection with the mob killings and are continuing investigations. Health officials have also clarified that there have been no documented medical cases to support the claims of missing male organs in the affected districts.
Navicha stressed that misinformation is a threat to public safety and social cohesion. She said government will work with traditional leaders to intensify civic education and sensitize communities on the dangers of mob violence and falsehoods.
