For some time, government and human rights organizations have been sensitizing people on dangers of violating rights of elderly people.
The efforts to stop violence against elderly people has achieved nothing as this group is still being accused of practicing witchcraft in the country.
Some are murdered, injured and facing various forms of abuse as they are suspected that they practice witchcraft in their societies.
Mrs Edward from east bank – Chikwawa district is a witness of such abuses.
A son to Mrs Edward who explained the story while shedding tears said her mum was suspected by her relatives and some villagers suspected her that she had a hand on the death of her elder sister.
According to the son Stanile, during the night after the burial of her Auntie [her mum’s elder sister], her mother saw some people coming to her house and they hacked her with panga knives.
‘’Despite cutting her whole body with Panga knives, the people also peeled her skin alive using sharp objects before piercing in her eyes making her lose sight’’ said Stanile.
Edward was left unconscious following the incident until some well-wishers rushed her to Chikwawa district hospital where she was admitted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Edward had lost vision as her eyes were severely damaged, her skin too was peeled off leaving her with wounds that are making her live in pain.
Someone may think that this cruel act is happening in Chikwawa, but that is not the case as a track
Meanwhile, the village headman of where Edward hails group village head man Ndabi of Traditional Authority Makhuwira has admitted the fate Edward faced, saying the elderly woman was accused of practicing witchcraft in the village.
He however condemned the malpractice as it left Edward severely injured with pangas and knifes that caused grievous harm.
The village head has called for the police to intervene on the matter so that the culprits can face the law.
Commenting on the matter human rights campaigner Sylvester Namiwa expressed worry saying the malpractice is violating the human right of innocent people.
Namiwa further asked government to implement measures that will help in protecting the rights of elderly persons.
Jessie Kabwira, a women rights activist has expressed shock saying she is afraid that if this trend continues many elderly women will lose their lives.
‘’ Iam appealing to government to raise awareness of caring for elderly people instead of mistreating them when they are suspected to practice witchcraft in the society’’ Said Kabwira.
According to Andrew Kavala who is the executive director for MANEPO, has expressed sadness that there is an increase in cases of violence against elderly people which is threatening their rights of enjoying equal treatment as anyone else.
Kavala stressed that his organization is going to put extra gear to sensitive people in order to end the violence that elderly people face.
The Minister of Gender, Children and Social welfare, Jean Sendeza, said she is worried that some people are still violating the rights of elderly people for suspecting them of practicing witchcraft.
‘’ Government is drafting an Elderly Person’s Bill to be tabled in Parliament’’ said Sendeza.
According to the minister the bill has been hatched as an intervention to address the never ending brutality against elderly persons in the country most of whom are being attacked on accusation of practicing witchcraft.
She also, however, promised to enhance civic awareness and campaigns to mitigate the issue.
In 2022 a report from Elderly Network MANEPO said fifteen elderly people were killed in the country on abuse, discrimination and witchcraft accusations grounds, while in 2023 the nation recorded 25 deaths of elderly people due to the same, and six elderly people in the country were reportedly killed in January 2024 on witchcraft allegations.
