Mukhito, Paramount Chief Kyungu, IG Luhanga and a whole host of other high profile officials during the Community Policing Open Day in Karonga
* When people take matters into their own hands, they can destroy important evidence and make it difficult for police to do their work
* If there is a problem, people should seek justice through established channels such as the police and chiefs
By George Mponda, Malawi News Agency (MANA)
Minister of Homeland Security, Peter Mukhito has called on people in Karonga District — and Malawi as a whole to desist from mob justice and allow law enforcement agencies to handle suspected criminals through established legal channels.
Addressing a gathering during a Community Policing Open Day at Karonga Community Ground on Monday — organised by the Malawi Police Service to raise awareness on the prevention of mob justice, murder, suicide and gender-based violence — Mukhito stated with concern that mob justice cases were on the rise in the country.
He emphasised that this required concerted efforts from communities, traditional leaders and law enforcement agencies to curb the malpractice.
“People should not take the law into their own hands,” he implored. “If there is a problem, let people seek justice through established channels such as chiefs and the police.”
He highlighted that “some victims of mob justice could be innocent and when people take matters into their own hands, they can destroy important evidence and make it difficult for police to do their work”.
Just yesterday, the Police in Mangochi also implored on the public to desist from mob justice after a fellow resident was exonerated of being involved in the disappearance of 14-year-old boy, who was recovered alive safe.
The boy told the police that he left home on his own accord but after he disappeared, his mother accused a resident in her area of being involved.
When the police took the man into protective police custody, the boys family were incensed and went on to vandalise Mulipa police unit.
Following the boy’s reappearance, Mangochi Police then exonerated the suspect and released him from protective custody — while advising the public of the consequences of mob justice where evidence has not been proved.
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Meanwhile, Mukhito also urged Malawians to respect life and avoid suicide, saying such acts leave children orphaned and other dependants without support.
“Whenever people face problems, they should seek counseling from others instead of resorting to suicide — we need to value life,” he said.
He further warned people in Karonga against harbouring illegal migrants, alleging that some were involved in illegal gold mining and smuggling gold out of Malawi, thereby depriving the country of revenue.
To amplify the importance of the Community Policing Open Day, Mukhito was accompanied by Deputy Homeland Minister, Norman Chisale; Deputy Minister of Gender, Children, Disability & Social, Martha Mzomera Ngwira; Inspector General of Police Richard Luhanga; Paramount Chief Kyungu of Karonga and Chitipa; Karonga District Commissioner Willard; among a whole entourage of high profile officials.
The Inspector General condemned witchcraft accusations, particularly those targeting elderly and prosperous people, saying jealousy was sometimes behind such allegations.
“People who are well-to-do in society are sometimes accused of witchcraft out of jealousy — this must stop,” said Luhanga, who also warned men against having sexual relations with underage girls, reminding them that the law protects everyone below 18 years.
He further said police had gathered intelligence on individuals suspected of human trafficking in Karonga and that arrests would soon be made.
On his part, Paramount Chief Kyungu called for unity and love among Malawians, urging communities to resolve disputes peacefully instead of resorting to mob justice.
“Let us love one another as Malawians. We should not kill each other through mob justice,” said Kyungu, who also urged government to intensify efforts to deal with illegal migrants and drug abuse, which he said was affecting young people in Karonga.—Editing by Duncan Mlanjira; Maravi Express
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