Commission set on death crimes in Karonga – Kyungu

Paramount Chief Kyungu, the most senior traditional leader in the districts of Karonga and Chitipa, has expressed discontentment with the rise of death crimes in Karonga – a development that has made him establish a ‘peace and security commission.’

The commission will among others be responsible in settling down chieftaincy wrangles as well as witchcraft allegations.

Karonga registered a proliferation in death crimes this year, some being carried out through mob justice. Victims of such murderers include foreigners, traditional leaders and the elderly accused of practising witchcraft

Kyungu said during a news conference that the commission was composed of 13 people from all five traditional leaders who “would work hand in hand with law enforcers and the courts.”

He expressed concern over the rising cases of murder in Karonga District, saying such incidents scare away investors and tourists.

Kyungu urged police to tighten security and arrest the perpetrators. He also called on the community to avoid taking the law into their own hands, saying killing each other is not a solution to disputes.

“I want to condemn this continued killing of innocent people in the district.”

Traditional Authority Kilupula, whose area is the most hit of such problems, accused law enforcers for fuelling violence in the district especially in the manner such cases were handled.

“Most of the times it is the police who influence conflicts in our areas. They, for instance, release the culprits on bail when the communities hand them over. This has led to mistrust on the law enforcers forcing members of the community to resort to mob justice,” said Kilupula.

Other senior chiefs who attended the meeting included Wasambo, Kalonga, Traditional Authority Mwilang’ombe and Mwakawoko.

Northern Region Police spokesperson Maurice Chapola said police are investigating the murders and culprits will be brought to book.