Work with neighbours to fight albino attacks—IG

Inspector General (IG) of the Malawi Police Service Lexten Kachama has called on Malawians to unite with communities in neighbouring countries to collectively deal with attacks on people with albinism.

People with albinism have been under attack from persons who believe they can make a fortune out of their body parts. While some of the victims have lost their lives, others have lost their body parts and continue living in fear.

However, there have been cases where suspects have fled to neighbouring countries.

Speaking during an awareness campaign at Iponga in Karonga, Kachama said police have a good working relationship with their counterparts in neighbouring countries which helps fight crime.

He said suspects from others countries that escape to Malawi are apprehended and handed over to their countries so that they face the law.

He urged communities, especially those in border districts, to also develop such relationships to curb crime.

“We have noted that some of the suspects that attack people with albinism run to neighbouring countries. If communities work together with those across the border, they will be able to apprehend such people,” said Kachama.

Paramount Chief Kyungu, who was deeply touched with an attack on a boy with albinism in Karonga, Morton Juma, said it is devilish to take someone’s life thinking you would make a fortune with the act. Juma almost lost his life after a charcoal seller attempted to cut off his head and hand.

Kyungu called for stiff punishments for the culprits.

Several interventions including awareness campaigns have been undertaken to curb the attacks. The police are also planning to deploy more officers in communities to ensure maximum security for people with albinism.