by ebenezer
Police have arrested two people believed to be ring leaders in the gruesome murder of 70-year-old woman identified as Stella Chigule in Dedza’s Linthipe area.
James Kadadzera, National Police publicist said in a statement that Chigule, from Fumbwa village, T/A Tambala, was “assaulted to death by her own clansmen.”
The two are Wesley Petro, 30, who was arrested in Salima after bolting from the village, and Stefano Gervazio, 55, arrested in Dedza after being on the run.
“Other suspects are in hiding but the arm of the law will catch up with them and they will be properly prosecuted,” Kadadzera said.
He said acts of mob justice were not condoned in Malawi society. “All
perpetrators should know that they will face the law.”
He urged Malawians to “desist from acts of mob justice.”
Kadadzera, therefore, encouraged citizens to report those suspected of practicing witchcraft to authorities for action.
“Malawians should always remember that mob justice is one form of gross human rights violation,” the chief Police publicist added.
Kadadzera said Malawians should desist from “ridiculing, injuring or killing innocent people on witchcraft allegations.”
Scores of elderly people are killed in Malawi over witchcraft accusations.
Malawi laws do not recognise withcraft because of lack of evidence to prove the practice.
Accusers of witchcraft are instead arrested and jailed for false accusations.