Malawi President condemn ‘blood-sucking vampire’ scare lynchings

President Peter Mutharika on Tuesday condemned the vigilante mobs summarily executing people suspected of being “blood-sucking” vampires in the southern districts of Mulanje, Phalombe and Thyolo, saying it is affecting development in the concerned districts.

Mutharika broke his silence on the matter in Tuesday during a political rally held at Kaliyeka primary school ground ahead of the October 17 by elections, as he canvassed votes for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) parliamentary candidate, Dr Reuben Ngwenya.

The Head of State said the reports were ‘distressing and agonizing’.

“I am deeply concern with the development, I don’t know who started [the rumour] it here in our country but I understand that it originated from Mozambique,” he said.

Mutharika disclosed that he will be visiting the hotspot districts from 13 to 17 of October to address the issue.

“After sending some delegates, [to sensitise the villagers] the rumours of vampirism and mob justice is slowly dying down. But I will be there to address the community too,” he added.

Chiefs and their subjects in the ‘bloodsuckers’ hotspot districts of Mulanje, Phalombe and Chiradzulu said they want Mutharika and senior government officials to address meetings to clear the mist.

Taxpayer-funded Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC)  also issued a ststament asking  Mutharika to come out strongly and condemn incidents of violence emanating from bloodsuckers’ myth.

At least seven people now have been killed by violent mobs over ‘vampires myth’.

On issues of  politically-motivated violence, Mutharika asked DPP Youth Cadets to stop and refrain from violence despite being attacked by opposition parties.

According to him, DPP reputation has been affected by such issue.

Mutharika said he is aware that some opposition party supporters are the one responsible for the cause of violence but put a blame of DPP cadets.