25 older persons killed in 12 months

Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza says government is alarmed with the rising spate of attacks on elderly with 25 killed from January last year to date.

This translates to about two killed every month in the last 12 months.

The minister was speaking at a press briefing in Lilongwe yesterday where she indicated that 78 cases of violence against the elderly were recorded.

Sendeza condemned the acts of brutality and promised to take to Parliament the proposed Elder Persons Bill that will stiffen punishment for perpetrators of the abuse.

According to her, the Bill once enacted will serve as a pivotal tool in fortifying the legal framework for the protection of the elderly which is currently unclear.

Said Sendeza: “Let me assure Malawians that government will remain committed to ending violence and abuse to the elderly.

The Bill once passed into law will facilitate intensified promotion and protection of the rights of the elderly in the country.”

She has further called upon key stakeholders and the general public to join the fight while highlighting the need for collective responsibility in safeguarding the rights of vulnerable populations but also upholding the dignity and well-being of the elderly.

In his remarks, Malawi Network of Older Persons’ Organisations executive director Andrew Kavala challenged the legitimacy of accusations directed at the elderly based on the belief of witchcraft.

“The Constitution protects every Malawian regardless of age and yet the elderly are not enjoying that, and we cannot continue at that pace, as such we are not going to leave things as they are. We will jointly see to it that we do all we can to address what is happening,” he said.

Kavala applauded the government for showing commitment to pass the Elder Persons Bill, saying it is a legislative measure that will help in dealing with these acts of violence.

On his part, Malawi Police Assistant Commissioner Alex Simenti expressed concern over the rising incidents of attacks on the elderly, emphasizing the need for decisive actions against perpetrators of these attacks.

The condemnation comes just a few days after a 66-year-old woman was nearly buried alive in Dowa after villagers accused her of bewitching her sister who died.