A few weeks ago, Malawians witnessed the tussle between one entertainment organiser and the government machinery through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Wildlife. The bone of contention was that the entertainment organiser had invited a South African stage dancer, Zodwa, popularly known for her erotic dance moves.
The ministry used everything in its power to stop Zodwa, a grown-up woman who usually dances before adults capable of making their own decisions about what is right or wrong.
However, it is disheartening to observe how the government is treating the Chinese man, Lu Ke, with kid’s gloves. Almost a week after revelations by the BBC Africa Eye investigation report on Lu Ke, also known as Susu, that he was abusing and making Malawian kids say racist and degrading words, there has been no real action from the Malawi Government.
The statement of condemnation from the Chinese Embassy is, for lack of a better word, absurd and only adds insult to injury. It is a vague and ridiculous statement that serves no purpose other than caressing their ego.
Malawians were and still are expecting to hear that this Susu guy is behind bars and the children and their parents offered some form of psychosocial therapy.
It is the responsibility of everyone to protect the children placed under their care. However, the government needs to do more and swiftly react to any news of child abuse, regardless of who is doing it.
From the time the news broke out, all that Malawians have heard is that the law enforcers are investigating the issue—the phrase that is too familiar. We have seen it before and everyone knows how it ends with police investigations—they oftentimes yield nothing and, in many cases, only give a chance to offenders to bolt.
Malawi and China agreeing to “promote unity and denounce racism” is not enough. We have an issue at hand that needs urgent action. Arrest Susu and lock him up or, better yet, send him back to where he came from. No Malawian would do what Susu did to Chinese kids in China and be left scot-free. Why is Malawi giving Susu a free pass?
If the government and law enforcement agencies cannot protect our children, who will?
Malawi may be getting aid Chinese but surely, that doesn’t give Susu right to come here to abuse and insult Malawian children. Susu should not be left to freely roam Malawian streets. He belongs behind bars.
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