Malawi Network Of Older Persons’ Organizations is deeply concerned by a widely circulated video on social media showing a 49-year-old, Daniel Mpinda violently assaulting a granny. Agness Julius, 73, from Delule village, T/A Bvumbwe, Thyolo District, was assaulted following witchcraft accusations.
The reports indicate that on 19/11/2024, Mpinda violently accused and attacked granny of causing the child’s death. Police in Limbe have since arrested Mpinda, and the victim has received treatment at Thyolo District Hospital, where she is reported to be in stable condition.
According to MANEPO records, 21 older persons have been killed and over 70 tortured due to baseless accusations of witchcraft.
MANEPO Country Director, Andrew Kavala, has strongly condemned this barbaric act and emphasized the urgent need to protect the dignity and rights of older persons. Kavala has called on communities and authorities to work collectively to end the rising trend of abuse against older persons in the country.
Victor Mhango of the Centre for Human Rights, Education, Advice and Assistance (CHREAA) concurred with Kavala, highlighting the complicity of communities in such incidents by allowing violence against the elderly to occur without intervention.
MANEPO calls on law enforcers to ensure justice in this case and others like it, while urging the government and community leaders to intensify efforts to eliminate harmful beliefs and practices that perpetuate violence against older persons.
The dignity and safety of every individual, especially the elderly, must be upheld at all times.
Let us unite to end this injustice.