Police Assure Safety of People with Albinism as Murder Investigations Continue

The Malawi Police Service (MPS) has assured people with albinism across the country of their safety, saying law enforcement agencies remain committed to arresting and prosecuting anyone targeting them.

Speaking on Wednesday during the funeral ceremony of 45-year-old Chipiliro Laston at Chilembwe Village in the area of Traditional Authority Masumbankhunda in Lilongwe, Deputy Director of Community Policing, Superintendent Alexander Ngwala, said police have already arrested one suspect in connection with the murder, while two others remain on the run.

Laston, who had albinism, was killed in March this year in a case that has shocked the community and renewed concerns over attacks targeting persons with albinism.

Ngwala condemned the continued attacks and expressed concern that, in some cases, relatives are allegedly involved in the crimes.

“There is no market for body parts of people with albinism. People should stop believing in such superstitions and instead work hard through honest means to earn a living,” said Ngwala.

He assured the gathering that police will continue pursuing all those connected to the murder until justice is served.

Senior Group Village Head Samuel, who represented Senior Chief Masumbankhunda, commended the police for swiftly arresting one suspect and urged members of the community to remain calm as investigations continue.

“I plead with everyone in this area to be patient as police complete their investigations into this painful matter,” said Group Village Head Samuel.

Member of Parliament for the area, Peter Dimba, also praised the police for their efforts and called for unity in protecting vulnerable members of society.

President of the Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi (APAM), Young Muhamba, hailed the police for the progress made so far and pledged that the association would closely follow the case to ensure all those involved are brought before the courts.

“As an association, we will make sure we follow this matter until every person involved is brought to book. Nobody should be above the law,” said Muhamba.

The funeral ceremony was also attended by Deputy Commissioner of Police Micklina Medi, Lilongwe Police Station Officer-in-Charge Patricia Njawiri, and officers from the Central West Region, Central Division, Lilongwe, Kawale, Lingadzi, and Kanengo police formations.

The killing of Laston has once again highlighted the dangers and discrimination faced by people with albinism in Malawi, with rights groups continuing to call for stronger protection measures and tougher punishment for perpetrators.