By Burnett Munthali
A group of armed men suspected to be thugs attacked the Maria Goretti Convent for the Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary (SBVM) near Limbe Cathedral in Blantyre on Saturday. The attack left a security guard critically injured, and the nuns residing at the convent traumatized and in fear.
The severely injured guard is currently receiving treatment at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, while the convent remains in a state of shock following the incident. Church officials at Limbe Cathedral and police at Limbe Police Station have confirmed the attack, which occurred around 2 a.m.
Reports indicate that over 20 men armed with pangas, machetes, stones, and clubs breached the perimeter fence of the compound that houses the convent and Maria Goretti Girls Primary School. The attackers engaged in a violent confrontation with security guards on duty as they attempted to break into the building where the sisters are housed. Despite their efforts, the guards managed to prevent the thugs from accessing the convent, though one guard sustained life-threatening injuries during the confrontation.
The convent is located just a short distance from the Limbe Cathedral, where Archbishop Thomas Luke Msusa delivered a controversial sermon on Christmas Eve. In the sermon, the Archbishop criticized the Chikangawa Commission of Inquiry report, drawing backlash from government sympathizers and supporters of the ruling MCP. Some individuals have allegedly issued threats against the Archbishop, raising suspicions about the motive behind the attack on the convent.
While the connection between the Archbishop’s remarks and the attack has not been established, the incident has raised concerns about the safety of religious leaders and institutions in Malawi. Archbishop Msusa does not reside at the priests’ house adjacent to the church but visits the parish occasionally.
This violent act has left priests and nuns at the headquarters of the Blantyre Archdiocese living in fear and uncertainty. The Catholic community has called for swift investigations and measures to ensure the safety and protection of religious figures and institutions.
The police are yet to confirm whether the attackers were affiliated with the ruling party, but the allegations have fueled tensions and debates about political violence in Malawi. Authorities have pledged to investigate the matter thoroughly and bring the perpetrators to justice.
This incident underscores the urgent need for Malawi to address growing concerns over insecurity and political violence, which continue to pose threats to the country’s peace and stability.
