Manepo reiterates call for Parliament to pass Older Persons Bill
Malawi Network of Older Persons Organisations (Manepo) executive director Andrew Kavala has reiterated calls for Parliament to debate and pass the Older Persons Bill to protect elderly people in the country.
He said this in a statement, following attacks on elderly people in Mulanje and Chikwawa districts on witchcraft allegations.
Said Kalava: “Manepo has learnt with deep shock and sadness the recent harassment of Felister Kwakhwali, 90, of Salamu Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Nkanda in Mulange on witchcraft allegations.
“Manepo also strongly condemns the brutal murder of Smart Zangado, 64, of Mtothola Village, T/A Chapananga in Chikwawa District on August 1 over witchcraft allegations.
“We would like to emphasise that the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi guarantees every person the right to personal dignity and personal freedoms. The 2016 National Policy on Order Persons recognises the duty of the State to protect the rights of older persons in a country grappling with changes in traditional family values and the erosion of social protection values.”
He, therefore, urged the current Sitting of Parliament to pass the Older Persons Bill to provide lasting solutions to abuse, harassment and discrimination the elderly face in the country.
Kavala also called on the Malawi Police Service to expedite investigations and arrests of suspects in the Mulanje and Chikwawa incidents.
He also called on the courts to diligently prosecute cases bordering on witchcraft allegations. He said the Witchcraft Act does not recognise the existence of witchcraft and accusing someone of being a witch is illegal.
Speaking in a separate interview, Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation executive director Michael Kaiyatsa described the two incidents as unfortunate.
He called on the government and the courts to expedite prosecution of suspects to eradicate the culture on impunity surrounding witchcraft allegations.
In the Mulanje incident, unknown people allegedly lifted Kwakhwali to a roof of a house from where she was abused and insulted while in Chikwawa, Zangando was allegedly killed by his son on witchcraft allegations.
