Malawi conducting ‘operation bata’ on blood sucking hotspots – Minister

Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Cecilia Chazama  has said Malawi security agents are jointly conducting “Operation Bata” to a wave of alleged vampire attacks that have triggered deadly vigilante violence in Malawi, which has now ensured stability in the affected areas.

The latest bout of vampire rumours allegedly originated in Mozambique and spread across the border to Malawi’s districts of Mulanje and Phalombe, according to the United Nations.

As public anger over supposed vampires grew, UN workers and US Peace Corps volunteers were pulled out of the region in October but they have now returned.

President Peter Mutharika was even forced to step in and insist that the government had the situation under control.

“There is no evidence of blood suckers. It’s a lie meant to destabilise the region,” he said recently. “Those spreading rumours will face the law.”

Presenting  the ministerial statement on the current situation of the alleged bloodsuckers in Malawi, Chazama the security agents are jointly conducting “Operation Bata”, which has now ensured stability in the affected areas.

“The Malawi Police Service will continue to maintain their presence in these areas.  Further, there are plans to establish permanent police units in the rural areas to enhance security,” she said.

She assured that the security organisation  will “work tirelessly” to ensure that there is lasting peace, law and order in this country.

“And that, once we get to the bottom of the alleged blood sucking rumours, necessary steps and strategies will be put in place to avoid any re-occurrence of such terror, which is detrimental to the social economic development of our beautiful nation,” said Chazama.

He also gave encouragement and hope to all the affected communities and assured them that his government was “on top of matters”and would ensure that peace, safety and security returned for people to carry on with their normal lives.

The Minister said the  situation is now under control.

“ However, as government and the country, we need to get to the bottom of this issue in order to avoid its re-occurrence,” she said.

Chazama said  President Mutharika directed  that in order to intensify security, maintain law and order and finally, to investigate and determine the root causes of blood sucking rumours in the country a Commission of Inquiry be put in place to investigate the issue further and get to the bottom of it.

She said the enquiry is now underway.

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