Stop albino killings now—Chief Chadza

Senior Chief Chadza of Lilongwe has appealed to stakeholders in the country to work together in ending the abductions and killings of people with albinism.

He made the appeal at Mitundu ground in Lilongwe during a joint anti-albino killing parade organised by Malawi Police Service (MPS) and United Nations (UN) Women aimed at sensitising the public to stand against the criminal acts that have dented the country’s image.

Chadza said he had mobilised all traditional leaders and their subjects in his jurisdiction to fight the spate of abuses and killings of people with albinism.

“These killings must stop now and today,” said Chadza. “People ought to understand that we are all human beings and equal before the law.”

He said he had formed a strong network with the police, group village heads and subjects in the area to keep guard of people with albinism.

In her remarks, UN Women representative in Malawi Clara Anyangwe described the killings of people with albinism in the country as a “gross violation of human rights”.

She called for collective national and regional support.

Central Region Senior Deputy Commissioner of Police Hannings Mlotha said police remain vigilant in protecting people with albinism.

The Sunday awareness parade was part of the ongoing UN Women and MPS joint activities which started from the Northern Region and are expected to be conducted throughout the country.

The parade was led by Malawi Police Brass Band and was patronised by traditional leaders, school children and community members, including people with albinism.

The procession marched from Mitundu Hospital to Mitundu ground where anti-albino killing demonstrations were conducted through poems, songs, speeches and a football match.