Protect persons with albinism—Apam
The Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi (Apam) has asked government to protect persons with albinism following resurgence of attacks.
The Apam appeal comes against a background of an attack on 39-year-old woman with albinism Dorothy Jefule, who was abducted on Friday night at Molipa Village, Traditional Authority Kawinga in Machinga by unknown assailants who broke into her house. The victim managed to escape.
Speaking in an interview yesterday, Apam national coordinator Overstone Kondowe said Jefule’s abduction should call the new administration into action.
He said: “There is need to bust the market for human parts. Experts need to be engaged to investigate the matter and deal with the market. Last time people were given whistles instead of alarms, that wasn’t helpful.”
Kondowe also alleged that officers at Kawinga Police Unit in Machinga failed to attend to the matter.
Eastern Region Police spokesperson Joseph Sauka confirmed the attack on Jefule and said it was a big shock after a long break from such incidents.
He said police were investigating the matter to arrest suspects and have also intensified security.
On his part, Minister of Homeland Security Richard Chimwendo Banda condemned the abduction adding those behind such attacks will face the law.
In recent years, persons with albinism have faced brutal attacks ranging from abduction and assault to murder.
