In a statement signed by Andrew Kavala, Manepo said the following people were killed in this manner:
.Chalaka Akunkeyani, 60, and Deke Kamenya, 51 were brutally killed at Nseula Village, Traditional Authority Dambe, in Neno district on 2 November, 2019.
Barely few days later, on 19 November 2019, an angry mob killed an innocent couple, Dickson Thomas, 78 and Veronica Simeon, 69 at M'njeza village, Traditonal Authority Nthondo, in Ntchisi District.
“Manepo wishes to remind all Malawians that it is very unbecoming for one, let alone older persons, to live under a cloud of suspicion. We passed the era when one could do what it pleases, without being restrained by the muscle of the law.
Manepo added: “It is imperative that everyone should use proper channels to address concerns, for one cannot concurrently play the roles of an accuser, prosecutor and judge.”
Manepo said Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights stipulates that no one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.
“More so, the recently adopted African Union Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Older Persons in Africa calls for each African state to be responsible for developing and reviewing existing legislation to ensure older persons receive equal treatment and protection and ensure that law enforcement officers at all levels are trained to effectively interpret and enforce policies and legislation to protect the rights of older persons.”
Belief in witchcraft in Malawi runs deep, although the Malawi’s Witchcraft Act of 1911 doesn’t recognise existence of witchcraft and states that it is an offence to accuse anyone of practicing witchcraft.
Manepo said the 2016 National Policy for Older Persons recognises the duty of the State to protect the rights of older persons in a country grappling with changes in traditional family values and the erosion of social support structures.
“Manepo calls upon the law enforcement bodies to immediately investigate and hold accountable all those behind these barbaric and heinous acts. One of the key drivers leading to the continuous escalation in the cases of abuse, discrimination and even killings of older persons is the failure by law enforcement agencies to prosecute those who accuse older men and women of practicing witchcraft.
Manepo added that the uncoordinated responses at various levels of the justice administrative system and the absence of structured community support systems “continue to make Malawi one of the worse countries for one to grow old in Africa.”
The NGO said it was demanding the speedy revision of the Witchcraft Act, in particular repeal of Section 6, aimed at preventing further discrimination, abuse and violence against innocent older men and women accused of practicing witchcraft.
Manepo also said it expected Government to demonstrate political will by guaranteeing the safety and protection of the elderly in this country.
