Elderly witchcraft attacks worry government

The government has appealed to traditional and religious leaders to take a leading role in stopping the growing violence against elderly people accused of practising witchcraft, warning that the attacks are destroying lives and weakening community peace.

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Ben Phiri said the killings, assaults and forced displacement of elderly people over witchcraft allegations remain a serious human rights concern that requires a united response from communities, faith leaders and authorities.

Phiri made the appeal on Sunday during a stakeholders’ meeting in Mzimba District, convened in the wake of a tragic incident in which three people reportedly died after a witch doctor allegedly forced them to drink a poisonous concoction during what was described as a cleansing ritual.

Addressing the gathering, Phiri said the continued persecution of older persons based on witchcraft allegations is fuelled by poverty, ignorance, and deeply entrenched harmful cultural beliefs.

“We must stop blaming elderly people for every misfortune or every person’s success in our communities. Poverty and lack of education are among the factors fuelling these accusations. Traditional and religious leaders have a critical role to play in educating communities and protecting vulnerable people from violence,” said Phiri.

He stressed that the government remains committed to protecting the rights, dignity, and lives of older persons, emphasizing that no one should take the law into their own hands by accusing or attacking individuals without credible evidence.

Phiri: Malawi government is concerned

Phiri further urged communities to resolve disputes through lawful channels and reject harmful practices that continue to claim innocent lives.

The recent poisoning incident has left many families devastated. One of the survivors, Lontia Kamanga, said the tragedy has instilled fear across the community and left several children orphaned.

“Three people lost their lives, leaving many children without parents. Many elderly people are now living in fear because anyone can easily be accused of practising witchcraft. Growing old should never be treated as a crime,” Kamanga said.

Meanwhile, Mzimba District Social Welfare Officer Bernard Nangwale described witchcraft-related violence as an alarming social challenge that requires urgent and coordinated intervention from all stakeholders.

In an interview with Malawi24, Nangwale revealed that his office has recorded 17 cases of witchcraft-related accusations in the district since the beginning of the year, resulting in the deaths of seven victims.

“These figures are deeply concerning. We have documented 17 cases of witchcraft-related accusations this year alone, seven of which resulted in deaths. These are preventable tragedies that require collective action from the government, traditional leaders, religious institutions, and local communities to protect vulnerable people,” Nangwale said.

He added that his office continues to conduct public awareness campaigns aimed at educating communities about human rights, dispelling myths surrounding witchcraft, and discouraging violence against elderly people accused of practising witchcraft.

Nangwale also appealed to members of the public to report cases of abuse and violence to the relevant authorities instead of taking matters into their own hands, emphasizing that protecting the rights and dignity of older persons is a shared responsibility.