The Association of People with Albinism in Malawi (Apam) has accused the Malawi Government of selective justice in handling court cases in the country.
Apam made its position in view of the speed and resources government allocated to the UTM registration case, saying if similar energy was invested in handling cases relating to the abduction and killings of people with albinism, many cases could have been completed.
Posting on Facebook, Apam president Overstone Kondowe said: “Party [UTM] registration court case has won government much interest, ignoring 22 murder cases of persons with albinism since 2014.”
In an interview yesterday, Kondowe said the association was worried with the development, accusing government of giving little attention to cases of abduction and killing of persons with albinism.
He said: “The cases of persons with albinism have dragged since 2014 with excuses of resources being given, but other issues are given much priority because government has an interest.
“Why should government employ selective justice? All of us have needs, but the needs that are related to government interest are moved with speed when it comes to cases.
“Cases of albinino abductions and killings also deserve speed in the same way government moved on the issue of UTM political party registration which has taken one week in two courts—the High Court and Supreme Court.”
Reacting to the concerns, Minister of Information and Communications Technology Henry Mussa said government is committed to handle court cases related to the abduction and killing of persons with albinism as it is working to find the lasting solution.
He asked Apam to share its views on how best government can intervene in problems experienced by people with albinism.
The minister also asked Apam to follow up court cases and find out what was delaying the cases.
Currently, 23 people are on remand at Zomba Prison after being arrested in connection with the murder of McDonald Masambuka, a person with albinism from Machinga in March this year.
