Malawi Police net 10 witchcraft murder suspects

Malawi Police in southern district of Neno have arrested 10 people in connection to the brutal killing of four elderly persons suspected to have been practicing witchcraft in the district.

The four deceased—73 year-old Byson Kanjete, Eliza Enoce Kanjete, 83, Elenefa Kanjete, 76 and Julius Kanjete—were also believed to be behind the death of their granddaughter who was struck by lightning.

They were killed by angry mob in Chimbalanga village in Chief Dambe’s area.

The arrested suspects, according to Neno Police spokesperson, are 36 year-old Staford Chifundo, Amosi Sida, 32, Samuel Kaudzu, 20, John Harry, 21, Lex Mayenda aged 19, Manford Dyson, 15, Patrick Kanjete, 14, Lyton Silence, 15, Ben Saukila aged 14 and 13 year-old Eliya Mapeto.

Kaliati said the arrested suspects were identified by some of the survivors of the mob justice in the area and that more people will be arrested over the death of the four elderly persons.

“Our investigations have not ended. Those we have arrested were in the forefront, there are more others who participated in the murders and we will arrest them,” Kaliati said.

The arrest came barely a day after President Peter Mutharika condemned the ruthless killing of the four witchcraft suspects.

Mutharika promised to step up government’s efforts to stem the killings of elderly people on witchcraft suspicion.

He also ordered the Inspector General of the Malawi Police to investigate the matter and bring to book those involved in the killing of the four people.

According to a statement issued by Presidential spokesperson Gerald Viola, it was high time Malawians changed their attitudes towards witchcraft and realize the value of elderly people in society.

Meanwhile, police are patrolling Neno.