Govt criticised over escalating mob justice
Government through its security and Judiciary arms has come under heavy criticism for lacking the mettle to effectively address mob justice.
The country has of late witnessed gruesome cases of mob justice with communities taking it upon themselves to punish suspects of various crimes.
The most recent incident is the case of a 12-year-old boy from Salima who was beaten up by an irate mob and forced to eat raw maize cobs after allegedly being caught stealing maize.
In separate interviews, civil society members, social and security commentators pointed fingers at the government for failing to demonstrate firm resolve against lawlessness in the country.
Youth and Society executive director Charles Kajoloweka said it is unfortunate that extra-judicial punishment is on the rise, raising intricate questions not only about the erosion of citizens’ confidence in the justice system, but also on government’s inability to effectively stop and punish culprits.
He observed that addressing short and long-term repercussions of the vice is imperative but government has not invested enough in interventions focused on dealing with motivations driving collective violence.
Said Kajoloweka : “Extrajudicial punishments often border on torture; a serious crime under our laws and international human rights law. The impact of mob justice goes beyond the individual victims. It ranges from perpetuation of a cycle of violence courtesy of retaliatory actions to stigmatisation of entire communities, fractured community relationships and diminished trust in justice systems.”
Social commentator Wonderful Mkhutche stressed on the effectiveness of the law enforcement, saying those who are involved in mob justice must be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.
“We cannot let this country slide in to lawlessness. There is need for civic education. Citizens need to know how to handle suspects. And suspected law breakers must also be warned against staying in harm’s way although the law protects them,” he said.
On his part, security expert Master Dicks Mfune cited a socio-economic breakdown as the cause for surging mob justice, calling for practical solutions.
He said people in developed or developing countries resort to mob justice whenever they are upset with unfulfilled promises.
Mfune said linked to governance and human rights when promises are not honoured or in the court of law when justice is delayed or not administered properly.
“The present situation in Malawi is even worse with the socio-economic hardships of Covid-19, cyclones Anna, Gombe and Freddy, floods and drought, and unfulfilled promises by the Tonse Alliance. These have been worsened by the devaluation of the kwacha and the high cost of living,” said Mfune.
Kamuzu University of Health Sciences Professor of Psychology Chiwoza Bandawe agreed with Mfune, saying mob justice is about frustration and a lack of confidence in the legal system. He, however, said long-term solutions are crucial to dealing with the vice.
Said Bandawe: “There has to be confidence built in the legal system to meet needs. A crowd has a psychology on its own. People end up doing things they would not do while alone. So a crown is a big component of understanding what is going on. And we should expect to see more of these incidents in the long-term. But in the short-term, talking to people would assist.”
In a March 26 2024 statement, the Centre for Human Rights Education, Advice and Assistance (Chreaa) said it is sad to see the country rolling on a dangerous path towards degeneration of rule of law and respect for human rights.
Chreaa made reference to a most recent case of mob justice in Mangochi where a person suspected of crime was dragged while tied to a car trailer, resulting in death.
“It is more perverse that some of the victims of this grave injustice are children, who as a society, we have the collective duty to protect and groom into responsible citizens.
“Chreaa urges the public to consider the tenets of umunthu which are a strong foundation of the Malawian society.”
