MANEPO condemns rising attacks on older persons over witchcraft accusations

The Malawi Network of Older Persons Organisations (MANEPO) has condemned a rise in killings of elderly people accused of witchcraft and described the acts as both criminal and a profound violation of respect, dignity, and humanity.

MANEPO Executive Director Andrew Kavala told the media as he was reacting to the death of Positani Kachipewa, who was allegedly beaten by his nephew, Rodwell Nduna, on 13 April 2026.

Kavala said elderly people are considered to be custodians of our culture, history and wisdom, and that harming them is weakening the foundation of our society.

“I want to remind Malawians that older persons are the custodians of our history, custodians of our culture and custodians of our wisdom. To harm them is to harm the very foundation of the society,” he said.

Kavala has called for collective action, saying every Malawian citizen has a responsibility to ensure older people are well protected in our society and that these acts of attacking them must stop now.

He further urged people to be alert to any suspicious behaviour in their communities and to utilise the newly enacted Older Persons Act to report any violence against older persons.