Bishop of Karonga Diocese of the Catholic Church Martin Mtumbuka says government has let the elderly down by failing to bring to book all perpetrators of attacks on the vulnerable group based on unfounded witchcraft accusations.
He was speaking in an interview on Wednesday in the wake of attacks on the elderly that have been prevalent nationwide.
Mtumbuka was reiterating calls he and other clergy made last week during the farewell of the Reverend Levi Nyondo who retired after serving as general secretary of Livingstonia Synod of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP).
The bishop has since condemned the brutal killings and asked government to act swiftly in ensuring the elderly’s safety.
Mtumbuka said everyone has the responsibility to protect senior citizens, but government has a bigger role in holding perpetrators accountable.
He said: “They kill and continue with their lives instead of being locked up in prisons. We have failed the old people as a nation. I am very disappointed.”
On January 2, two elderly men were killed in Nkhata Bay, Karonga had one on December 27 while another person was hacked to death in Dedza on December 3 following accusations of killing people through witchcraft.
While 10 people have been arrested for murder in Nkhata Bay, none have been arrested in Dedza and Karonga Districts.
On his part, Livingstonia Synod general secretary the Reverend William Tembo, said it is unfortunate that Malawi, a God-fearing nation, should be known for killing the elderly.
He said: “We condemn these killings. We plead with law makers and government to come up with stiffer laws against all murderers.
“Churches also have a duty to defend old people. Communities should refrain from taking the law into their hands.”
Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare has developed a bill aimed at protecting the elderly from being killed over witchcraft allegations.
In a separate interview, the responsible minister Patricia Kaliati said the bill is at an advanced stage and may be tabled during the February sitting of Parliament.
Meanwhile, the minister has said law enforcers should ensure that all perpetrators are put behind bars.
