Paramount Chief Kyungu has expressed concern over the rising cases of murder in Karonga District, saying such incidents scare away investors and tourists.
Karonga has this year experienced a series of murders, some being carried out through mob justice. Victims of such murderers include foreigners, traditional leaders and the elderly accused of practising witchcraft.
The most recent victim was village head Aliford Mwangosi who had just been reinstated as village head Mwantende after being exiled for years. He was brutally murdered on Tuesday.
Reacting to the events, Kyungu said such cases have the potential to scare away investors and tourists.
He urged police to tighten security and arrest the perpetrators. He also called on the community to avoid taking the law into their own hands, saying killing each other is not a solution to disputes.
“I want to condemn this continued killing of innocent people in the district. So far this year, we have lost more than six people.
“This I cannot condone. Any person who claims to be a man or woman of God cannot let this kind of thing to happen. This time they have gone to the extent of killing a chief. Where are we going as a district? It is shameful! We are shaming the Head of State and we are shaming ourselves as well!”
He said there is need to civic educate the masses in Karonga and he called on civil society organisations to help with funds.
Northern Region Police spokesperson Maurice Chapola said police are investigating the murders and culprits will be brought to book. n
