The Malawi Network of Older Persons’ Organisations (MANEPO) has called on law enforcement agencies to impose stiffer punishments on those found guilty of abusing older people as a way of deterring would-be offenders.
MANEPO’s Technical Lead for Programs, Goodwell Thunga says records show that most cases are left unresolved and others receive minor punishments, citing this as a significant catalyst for further violence against older people.
Thunga made the call on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at the Senior Chief Bvumbwe Headquarters in Thyolo District during an awareness campaign on the rights of older people under the Realizing the Rights of Older People through Inclusive Social Protection Systems, Accountability, and Resilience Strengthening (ROAR) project.
He lamented: “We haven’t had such cases of judges handing out stiff punishments,” adding that “stiff punishments are a good deterrent to other would-be offenders.”
Thunga further expressed concern over a blame game between the police and the judiciary regarding who contributes to delays in justice delivery and minor punishments, saying, “The police sometimes blame the judicial system; the judiciary may point to gaps within the law. But admittedly, one thing is clear: something is not right within the system, and older people are at risk.”
Reacting to such concerns during the awareness campaign, Sub-Inspector John Billy, Child Protection Officer at Bvumbwe Police Post, said, “Whenever we receive complaints of abuse or violence against the elderly, what we actually do is follow the criminal procedure that is supposed to be followed as police officers, but on our own, we cannot complete the criminal justice system.”
He, however, called on all stakeholders, including chiefs and the community, to coordinate with the police by reporting all cases of abuse against the elderly to ensure that justice takes its course.
“Let’s also make follow-ups on our cases to ensure that there’s justice in the end,” he urged the community.
Thyolo District Council Chairperson Councilor Petro Charles Bowman applauded MANEPO for the project, saying it will help instill a different mindset among the citizens in the district.
“We are ready to work with MANEPO to end violence against the elderly,” he stressed.
The ROAR project aims to ensure that older people live secure, dignified, and healthy lives through the promotion of age-inclusive social protection systems.
The focus is on creating a supportive environment for older individuals within their communities. Its advocacy efforts are directed towards developing age-sensitive policies and programs.
