Malawi Secular humanist condemns Neno witchcraft killings

Association of Secular Humanism executive director George Thindwa has severely condemned the brutal killing of four elderly persons in Neno on Monday accused of witchcraft, saying the gruesome murder of the suspected witches was worse than the myth of witchcraft itself.

Thindwa said he was shocked to learn that the four elderly people were beaten to death in day light despite his organisation’s relentless fight against this through a three year programme that saw him criss cross the country, on various radios and televisions with the same message that people should not kill suspected witches because witchcraft never exists.

“Look at how they have killed these elderly people, in a very brutal way, this is worse much worse than the myth of witchcraft,” he said.

The four Eliza Kanjete, 86, Ayelinifa Kanjete, 76, Byson Kanjete, 73 and Idesi Kanjete 69 were beaten to death at Chimbalanga village in chief Dambe’s area in Neno after they were suspected of killing Flora Kanjete, 17, who was struck to death by lightning.

A postmortem from hospital shows the four died of severe bleeding due to wounds they sustained due to severe beating of the mob.

Police spokesman in Neno Raphael Kaliati said Tuesday no arrests have been effected because tension is still high in the area hampering police investigations.

He however said a preliminary investigation had just started to find out what really happened and identify the killers.

Gender, children affairs and the elderly minister Patricia Kaliati is yet to comment on the matter but President Peter Mutharika has time and again told Malawians to respect the elderly and avoid linking them to witchcraft.