Albino attack: Three arrested and confess hacking 17-year-old boy

Malawi Police in Phalombe district have managed to arrest three men who have since confessed to have brutally hacked a 17-year-old boy with albinism last month.

Police have arrested Kingstone Mtiye,40, Mose Phillipo, 25, and 26-year-old Aubrey Maudedi who, on the night of Sunday 29^th November, nearly killed Alfred Chikalo with intent to sell his body parts.

It was well wishers who rescued him from the hands of the attackers- who broke into his hut while he was fast asleep- after he screamed for help. Chikalo sustained deep stab wounds in the head,
both arms and on the upper part of left leg.

Phalombe police Public Relations Officer, Augustus Nkhwazi told Nyasa Times the three have since confessed to have committed the crime.

“They confessed before Police officers to have conspired to get bones of an albino for a market in Rumphi district before engaging in the evil act,” explained Nkhwazi. “We arrested them on Wednesday (December 2nd). They will appear before court soon”.

The three have been charged with Conspiracy to Murder contrary to Section 227 and Attempted
Murder contrary to Section 223 of the penal code respectively.

Meanwhile, law-enforcers are still hunting for one more suspect who is currently at large.

Mtiye hails from Saidi village, T/A Jenala, Maudedi is from Chitawo village, T/A Nazombe, and Phillipo comes from Namandwa village, T/A Jenala, all in Phalombe district.

Chikalo was rushed to Phalombe Health Centre by police officers who found him in pool of blood. He was later referred to Holly Family Mission Hospital for treatment, and was discharged last week.

According to the victims’ grandmother, Lydia Petulo 65, he was putting up in a separate house (gowelo) when the incident happened.

Malawi, this year, has recorded more cases of gluesome attacks on people with albinisim.

Body parts of albinos are mistakenly believed to bring wealth in some African countries including Malawi.