HRDC says State a suspect in Malawi albino ritual murders: ‘Mafia syndicate defeating justice’
Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) chairperson Timothy Mtambo has the State has become a suspect in the abduction of people with albinism and killing them for ritual.
Mtambo’s comments in the press follows preliminary findings of an autopsy for the late Buleya Lule, a key suspect in the abduction of a 14-year old albino boy Goodson Makanjira in Dedza, that has revealed he was electrocuted, then hit with metal bars.
Another suspect in the abduction of an 18-month baby with albinism Eunice Nkhonjera, Donald Msafiri, 61, allegedly committed suicide a day after being interrogated by police in Karonga.
Mtambo claimed the killing of people with albinism is a result of a leadership crisis facing the country.
“This madness is happening because of leadership failure from the Commander-in-Chief, Inspector General of Police and the Minister responsible for Homeland Security. This government is a big failure and we will hold themaccountable, no matter what,” Mtambo explained in comments reported by Nation on Sunday newspaper.
The late suspect was alleged to have offered K800 000 to buy Goodson, who is still missing in Dedza.
Lule has become a third suspect to die while on trial related to abduction of persons with albinism since 2015. All the three cases have the police involved. In 2015, another suspect charged in connection with abduction of a two–year girl with albinism in Machinga died in the hands of the police after he allegedly jumped from a cruising police vehicle.
A HRDC statement made available to Nyasa Times signed byMtambo, said these deaths [of key suspects] smack of foul-play, adding, it is too tempting to conclude that there are powerful forces orchestrating them.
“Firstly, we strongly believe that these deaths are mafia-like planned and executed just to frustrate investigations that would lead us to alleged markets and lords behind these heinous crimes.
“Secondly, we at HRDC and indeed all well-meaning Malawians are tempted to think that those that we have entrusted with the responsibility of bringing the perpetrators of these inhumane acts are deliberately failing to do their job,” reads the statement.
The government is under fire for not doing enough to protect people with albinism as cases of attacks and killings continue to rise since 2014.
Amnesty International (AI) has since taken a swipe at Homeland Security Minister Nicholas Dausi for insinuating that attacks on persons with albinism (PWA) were not yet at crisis levels.
AI, a global movement of more than seven million people in over 150 countries and territories who campaign to end abuses of human rights, said in a statement Thursday that the “shameful denial comments” are fuelling attacks against persons with albinism.
During a news conference in Lilongwe on Tuesday, Dausi is on record to have said that the attacks on persons with albinism were yet to get to levels where they should hold vigils at State House or seek asylum in other countries.
In the Thursday statement, AI deputy director for Southern Africa Muleya Mwananyanda said remarks by Dausi will only embolden those perpetrating the assaults and are a disturbing reminder of the government’s inaction on the issue.
She said: “The latest comments from Minister Nicholas Dausi are yet another indication that persons with albinism in Malawi are on their own when it comes to their safety and security.”
Mwananyanda has since urged government to promptly, thoroughly and effectively investigate the recent attacks against persons with albinism and ensure that suspected perpetrators are brought to justice.
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Timothy Mtambo is the devil
Why this idiot not join politics instead of being a puppet for the devil . Does he know there is the True Living God, who sees everything? He who kills by the sword wil die by the sword and that is going to happen to this man. He thinks he is untouchable, who can spit fire and the world should jump. God is watching you .
True, actually APM knows the market. Just imagine all what has happened last week, NO ANY COMMENT OR STATEMENT FROM HIM.
Chonde onse okendedwa ndiku pempha ngati patazapedwe munthu amene Ali basi kutumiza onse azibale athu azichimwene kapena Mazi chemwali ndi Ana onse Ame Ali ma albino kubwera ku south africa Mu minds wa Bloemfontein ndatsegulitsa hub kapena tingoti safe house for all albinos who are in dangered to be mass murdered by the thugs and morons behind all this. I may not support the whole high figures; but am willing to work hand in hand with Emzansi E Afilika government to cater and offer safe secured home for all albino victims. Am still at a teething stage but ” daughter… Read more »
We are talking of murder suspects and if they die whilst being interrogated let’s not sympathize more with the murder, that said we cant rule out the motive for excessive interrogation method used but remember a family somewhere is missing their child or their child had been murdered so we cant totally turn against the cops who are trying to get answers that the nation badly needs.
Moya you are a lier it’s not over interrogation those are cover excuses may be from the same camp otherwise why should the police over interrogate on albino suspect only and die mysteriously no no no that’s force it’s a well calculated move to cover the wicked president . And see what has he done nothing!!!! My foot!!!
Too many suspects of crimes against albinos dying while in police custody. This is more than just carelessness on the part of the police, or coincidence; something is not right. It would seem that the police are covering up for someone or some organization that is in a higher position. One can only conclude that that superior authority is the government. So what is to be done? ‘Phingo Walusa’ is correct when speaking of politicians switching parties in order to be in government. They are all in it to get into power and thus to enrich themselves and their families,… Read more »
I really wonder if our crying will yield anything. And, it gives me the impression that these thugs in power will forever take Malawians for granted. Even if we change government now, it is so easy for them to treat us this very same way. Remember, in every party we have all these recycled politicians and they are always set to join the ruling party. Fellow “well meaning” Malawians as rightly put by Mtambo, its time we wake up, our crying has become mere songs in the ears of these beasts. It’s time for action! Let’s join our brothers and… Read more »
No my dear don’t lose Hope God is faithful infact the beginning of the good things is what we are experiencing now if a new leader changed things and stopped killings in Tanzania the very same can be done here only when we change the red Time radically by not allowing any of the attached groups be voted in whether door A or B these wear the same hearts that’s why the B team is not saying anything on fuel they could command the govt to reduce as it was stealing the govt responded what if now what have they… Read more »
Anybody who thinks critically would conclude that the Malawi government is an accomplice in the murder and disappearance of albinos in Malawi. This seemly reluctance by state organs the Police and their agents is a deliberate move. The DPP run government is using albino charms to win the elections. This is why they have connived with the Police to frustrate its investigations and pretend that they don’t know where the market is in Malawi or elsewhere. Dausi and the entire government are aware with what is happening. Malawi Police is feigning frustration deliberately knowing they have instructions from above to… Read more »
Mtambo at it again! Making wild, and serious allegation on a very serious matter of national importance. Without any grain of evidence, opens up another front in his continuous battle against his own country. He offers no solutions. Idiot!
Idiot indeed,remember three of your own fingers are pointing at you!!! Who then is the bigger idiot !!
Not necessarily being Dulli’s spokesperson. But honestly, they point at you Onest.
Thank Mtambo for hitting the nail on the head.
Exactly Mtambo, why should we usher a failed government another term to fail us again. i have never seen people who call themselves as leader sleeping on comfort chairs like these ones.
Try UDF but not UTM (DPP team B). FISI SASITHA MAWANGA AKE chifukwa choti wa kakwera phiri lina.
Mr. Nyalugwe ur UDF is the most dangerous party in this country infact things have fallen apart because of ur useless UDF. Azimayi ku Chiradzulo anadulidwa mabele kuchotsedwa maso do u think we have forgotten we are puppets ryts? Mphuno salota coz chikanakhala chodziwa bwenzi sitinavotere UDF nthawi imene ija & am very sure Malawi could have been a better place!