CSOs condemn bloodsucking scare which triggers mob violence in Malawi

Some civil society organisations (CSOs) and human rights activists  have condemned the  sensationalising of rumours of blood sucking on both main stream and social media with the devious intent of instilling fear and despondency among the public.

Chairperson of Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC), Robert Mkwezalamba told reporters in Lilongwe on the ongoing rumours of blood sucking in the country.

He said it was irresponsible and immoral for persons to be engaged in circulating such unfounded allegations on blood sucking.

“The absence of cyber laws in our statutes should not be used as an excuse to use the social media as aplatform to malign and ruin the reputation of Malawi as a country and put at stake lives of fellows citizens,” Mkwezalamba observed.

The Chairperson explained that innocent people have been killed, injured or had their property damaged and stolen, yet there is not been a case proven that one had his or her blood sucked.

“There is no evidence of anyone being sucked blood from all health centres in Phalombe and Mulanje. Although about seven villagers came forward alleging to have been sucked blood. They were taken to hospital for observation and testing where it was established that it was not true,” he noted.

Mkwezalamba commended the government for deploying Malawi Defence Force (MDF) soldiers to be doing patrols in the affected areas and urged them to stay long enough to contain the situation.

“We applaud actions taken by Malawi Police in arresting 140 persons whom were hiding behind the blood suckers myth to terrorize people in Blantyre,” he praised.

The Chairperson appealed to members of the public to desist from engaging in acts of violence as well as implication innocent people and CSOs would demand the increased role of the judicial establishing the truth related to this issue.

Human Rights Activists, Billy Mayaya said blood sucking rumours emerged from Mozambique into Malawi, yet there is no reported incidence of violence in Zambezia province of Mozambique which has attributed it to Malawi.

He viewed that this shows that the rumours though damaging have no solid foundation and evidence.

Executive Director for Malawi Human Rights Resource Centre (MHRRC), Emma Kaliya said it was disheartening to note that children are being dragged into these issue and are involved in acts of violence.

She challenged that it was surprising to note that all alleged blood suckers are men and no woman has been mention in all the cases.

 

 

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