Malawi to have centres for the elderly – Kaliati

Malawi government says it will now accelerate plans to have drop in centres for the elderly where trained attendants will look after the aged to minimise harm on the aged citizens.

Minister of Gender, Child welfare and the Elderly Patricia Kaliati told the state controlled Malawi Broadcasting Corporation that this follows the gruesome killing of four elderly people in Neno on allegations of witchcraft.

As MBC was running the interview, private radio Zodiak was announcing that an elderly person in Dedza has been murdered on same allegations of witchcraft.

The radio said the grandson of the elderly man was hit on the head and fell to his death, raising concern that the elderly in Malawi need protection.

Kaliati, on the other hand, said the issue of having centres for the elderly was hatched some years ago and its aim was to give comfort to the elderly.

She said as soon as money is available, the government would roll the project across the country.

Just last week, four elders in Phalombe were kept at a police station after an irate mob wanted to kill them following the death of a 21 year old Phudzo Mandawala, 21.