Nkhata Bay Police Urge Leaders Not to Accuse Elderly of Witchcraft
Traditional Authority Malengamzoma expressed gratitude for the awareness program and promised to work with the police.
NKHATA BAY, Malawi- Police in Nkhata Bay District have urged all traditional leaders to refrain from accusing elderly people of witchcraft, emphasizing that such actions are illegal, writes James Harawa.
Speaking at a council meeting in Traditional Authority Malengamzoma on April 24, Nkhata Bay Police Station Officer in Charge Isaac Norman, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, said leaders must avoid taking the law into their own hands.
"Leaders must always act exemplary to their subordinates by making sure that the laws of the land are not breached," Norman said.
"People and leaders must avoid any criminal activities, for example, must avoid accusing elderly people of the land of practicing witchcraft."
Norman warned that those considering unlawful actions will face consequences.
"Let me emphasize that those who consider taking the law into their own hands will truly be taken to book because it is an offense," he added.
The police chief encouraged traditional leaders to report all criminal activities to allow proper interventions and enhance security in creating a safe Nkhata Bay.
Senior Superintendent Alex Zimba, the officer in charge for Chintheche Police Post, and Community Policing Coordinator Sub Inspector Veronica Kaira asked the traditional leaders to support community policing structures to boost security efforts.
Traditional Authority Malengamzoma expressed gratitude for the awareness program and promised to work with the police.
Earlier, the police team engaged learners at Malengamzoma Primary School, encouraging them to focus on achieving their goals and avoid peer pressure.