Manepo speaks on Neno killings
The Malawi Network for the Elderly Persons (Manepo) and the Shelter for the Elderly have condemned the killings of four elderly people in Neno last week.
Speaking in Blantyre Tuesday, Manepo’s National Coordinator Andrew Kavala said although people are calling for justice, the law enforcers must be given time to handle the issue properly.
Kavala said he was impressed with the way the Police have moved quickly to arrest the suspects.
“We are aware that this issue is sensitive but we are receiving positive updates of some suspects in the issue being in police custody,” he said.
He further expressed the need for both government and the civil society organisations to sensitise the people on the importance of protecting the elderly in the country.
“We are sensitising the public to say issues of witchcraft should not be an excuse to kill people like you are killing chickens. Besides, the constitution is very clear on issues of witchcraft and it protects older persons. We will continue to remind Malawians that the law will prevail in any case where it is broken”, he said.
Former cabinet minister and Executive Director for the Neno Shelter for the Elderly, Reen Kachere said the sensitisation programme will require concerted efforts from all sectors as most part of the problem has to do with the cultural beliefs of the people.
“Most people do not regard killing as an issue, to them it is just something allowed in their culture, if we are going to succeed in fighting the battle, we will need strong civic education from all sectors in the country,” he said.
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