Bishop weighs in on Karonga witch hunts
Bishop Martin Mtumbuka of Karonga Diocese of the Catholic Church has revealed plans to introduce a music competition to restore peace and end mob justice in the district.
The development follows the killing of four family members on Christmas over witchcraft accusations at Lupembe in Paramount Chief Kyungu’s area.
Making the revelations on Wednesday during the New Year Mass, Mtumbuka said the current situation needs a holistic approach by various stakeholders.
He said: “As a diocese, we have decided to use different approaches to reach out to people with messages that will preach peace and coexistence.
“The music competition is open to all denominations, provided they compose educative and informative songs.”
The bishop said they will engage the police, the media and government to restore the lost trust between the community and the police because right now police officers are discharging their duties in fear.
Paramount Chief Kyungu said he convened a chiefs’ council on Saturday to devise means to deal with the killings.
“My piece of advice is that people of Karonga and Chitipa should be united and be peaceful to develop as a country,” he said.
In a separate interview, Minister of Information, Civic Education and Communications Technology Mark Botomani commended the bishop for the initiative. He said the Department of Civic Education and Malawi Police Service will work closely with the diocese.
“The Inspector General of Police and I are equally concerned with the recent development, so, the engagement with other entities is welcome,” he said.
