Malawi should not become lawless -Anglican Bishop Malasa condemns mob murders

Anglican Bishop of Upper Shire Diocese Brighton Malasa has urged Malawians to always handle allegations of witchcraft with caution, observing that not all elderly people practice witchcraft.

Malasa’s remarks follow the brutal killing of four elderly persons in Neno district on suspicion of witchcraft.

The district is within his jurisdiction.

“It is sad to note that life which was supposed to be preserved is being taken wantonly like trees. God created a human being and said it was very good. No one was commanded to take someone’s life.

“Life is precious. Life is Holy as such we need to respect what God ordained. The sanctity of life cannot be overemphasized,” said Bishop Malawi, who is based at Malosa, Zomba.

He said no one is supposed to take the law in his/her hands, noting that mob justice is equally a sin before God.

“I call upon fellow Malawians to take issues of witchcraft with caution. It is wrong to think that elderly people are all witches and wizards.

“This generalization victimizes innocent people as there is no proof that those killed were indeed witches. Or even if they were, no one is mandated to punish, let alone to kill,” said Malasa.

He therefore commended government’s efforts through the Malawi Police Services to curb this “satanic and barbaric behavior”.

Malasa also asked Malawians to pray against this “satanic spirit” not to overshadow the nation.

“Malawi has always be known as a God fearing nation. Where is that spirit going? Why are we of recent hearing of murder and killings? Malawi should not become a lawlessness country. Lets us love one another,” lamented Malasa.

Meanwhile, the Police have arrested 12 people for their alleged involvement in the killing of the four elderly people in Chimbalanga village in Chief Dambe’s area in the district.

The four deceased—73 year-old Byson Kanjete, Eliza Enoce Kanjete, 83, Elenefa Kanjete, 76 and Julius Kanjete—were brutally killed on Mondayon suspicion that they had a hand in the death of a 17 girl who was struck by a lightning on the material day.

Those arrested include 36 year-old Staford Chifundo, Amosi Sida, 32, Samuel Kaudzu, 20, John Harry, 21, Lex Mayenda aged 19, Manford Dyson, 15, Patrick Kanjete, 14, Lyton Silence, 15, Ben Saukila aged 14 and 13 year-old Eliya Mapeto.