APM appoints probe team
President Peter Mutharika has appointed a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the spate of attacks, abductions and killings of persons with albinism (PWAs).
The appointment comes as a response to demands by Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi (Apam) for the same.
The eight-member commission’s appointment is effective March 5 2019. It is chaired by retired judge Robert Reidson Chinangwa. Other members are Bishop Joseph Bvumbwe, Grace Massah, Abigail Dzimadzi, Paramount Chief Kawinga, George Jobe, Hilda Soko and Brenda Vokhiwa Kapenda.
A press statement released by the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) yesterday states that the commission is expected to finalise its work and submit a report to the President by April 30, 2019.
Reads the statement in part: “The commission shall act in accordance with the provision of the Act and subject thereto, shall have power to consider, determine and inquire into all aspects related to attacks, abductions and killings of persons with albinism.”
Among its demands to the President, Apam called for a commission of inquiry on the attacks chaired by a judge and comprising Apam, chiefs, the police and Malawi Human Rights Commission, among others.
Malawi is experiencing a resurgence of attacks against persons with albinism, with two fatalities and three abductions since December 31 2018. Two of those who were abducted were later rescued by community members, one remains missing.
Since November 2014, the number of reported crimes against people with albinism in Malawi has risen to 152 cases, including 25 murders and more than 10 people missing, according to Apam. n
