The 13-year-old Mulanje boy who was allegedly tortured by Misanjo Police Unit officers has gone back to the operating theatre for the removal of the remaining left palm, leaving him without hands.
Rhoda, who is the boy’s guardian at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, told The Daily Times that the boy’s remaining left palm has been amputated.
“He returned to the theatre and the remaining palm has been amputated. Doctors are taking care of his wounds. We are still asking for any kind of assistance from well-wishers because due to the long time we have been here, we are resource-constrained,” Rhoda said.
She said the boy’s recovery process has been compounded by challenges due to infections, leaving doctors with no option other than amputating the hand completely.
“This time, we are sure that we will spend more days in hospital. These fresh wounds will require more time in hospital as the boy recovers,” she added.
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The boy’s ordeal started on January 30 2024 when he was arrested by community members for allegedly stealing money from one of the businesspersons whose goats he was tendering.
Although the businessperson recovered some of the money after the boy was arrested, he allegedly tied the boy using rubber bands (malamba) and took him to Misanjo Police Unit, where it is alleged that he ordered police officers not to untie him.
Meanwhile, child rights activist Memory Chisenga has said it is disheartening to see the boy going through tough times.
“The boy will face challenges for the rest of his life. We are, therefore, reminding people to refrain from punishing suspects. This boy needs justice and we are calling for speedy handling of the case so that culprits are punished accordingly,” she said.
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The boy is being represented by lawyers from Centre for Human Rights Education, Advice and Assistance, Southern Africa Litigation Centre and the Malawi Human Rights Commission.
Considering that the boy is the principal witness in the case, the case was adjourned to May 6 2024 to pave the way for the boy’s recovery.
Earlier on, chairperson for Human Rights Defenders Coalition Gift Trapence asked Inspector General of Police Merlyn Yolamu to treat the case with seriousness
