Equip albinos with guns— Mzuni students

Mzuzu University (Mzuni) students yesterday marched against attacks of people with albinism and petitioned President Peter Mutharika and Parliament to consider equipping albinos with guns for self-defence.

The students, who presented the petitions through Mzuzu City Council (MCC), argue that government is not doing enough to protect the victims. The demonstration comes following a series of attacks on people with albinism.

To add weight to protests against the attacks, killings, abductions and exhumation of graves of people with albinism, Mzuni students asked the President and Parliament to come up with bold decision to curb the attacks.

The students want authorities to enact a law that will enable people with albinism to own guns and use them in self-defence. They said persons with albinism should also undergo basic military training to enhance their defence.

The students argued that the police have failed to protect the victims and the option will be to equip them with guns.

The students also want the President to appoint a commission of inquiry to investigate the attacks and track the people behind this, the purported market for body parts, among others.

On the use of guns, Mzuni Students Representative Council president Wazamazama Katatu said there are a number of people who have licensed guns which they use in self-defence.

Mzuzu City mayor William Mkandawire received the petition from the students and assured them that it will be delivered to relevant authorities.

Minister of Information, Communication Technology and Civic Education Patricia Kaliati, who is the official government spokesperson, refused to comment on the petition.