MANEPO condemns abuse of the elderly
The Malawi Network for Older Persons Organisation (MANEPO) has strongly condemned the rising number abuse cases on the elderly in the country.
The condemnation comes following an incident in Nkhata-Bay where a 50-year-old man, Willy Mwicha, allegedly raped a 73-year-old sick woman. Mwicha is currently on remand at Nkhata-Bay Prison.
Public Relations Officer for Nkhata-Bay Police Station, Sergeant Kondwani James, disclosed that a child to elderly woman saw the suspect coming out of the woman’s house. Although Mwicha pleaded not guilty in court, police have five witnesses including a medical report in relation to the case
Executive Director for MANEPO, Andrew Kavala, has strongly condemned harassment of elderly persons due to many unfounded reasons, saying MANEPO will keenly follow the matter to see its conclusion.
“Normally we would expect people close to elderly persons to be responsible in protecting them and cheering them with all the necessary comfort. But that’s not the case in Malawi. It’s disheartening that the elderly are not protected.
“What has happened in Nkhata-Bay is uncalled for. We commend the Malawi Police Service for arresting the suspect. As an organisation, we will follow the matter until we are satisfied with its logical conclusion,” Kavala said.
Willy Mwicha hails from Nsongwe Village in Traditional Authority Njema in Mulanje District while the abused elderly woman comes from Chazama Village in Traditional Authority Fukamalaza in Nkhata-Bay District.
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