The Malawi Council of Churches (MCC) has condemned ill-treatment of elderly women following an incident in iNkosi Kampingo Sibande’s area in Mzimba District where two elderly women accused of witchcraft were cruelly forced to bury their relation.
In a statement dated 5 December 2022 and signed by MCC Board Chair Bishop Dr. Fanuel Immanuel Magangani and Reverend Alemekezeke Chikondi-Phiri said: “The Council is shocked that this is also coming within the 16 days of Gender Based Violence Activism period, when Malawi and the world are engaged in advocating for a safer nation and world free of any form of violence”.
The letter further detest the conduct of the community in ganging up against the elderly women, condemn the church for failing to settle the issue, criticizes traditional leaders for failing to rise above the barbaric acts and again the Council questions the conduct of the entire community in letting this deed take place.
It further asked relevant arms of Government such as the police and courts to act in accordance of the law to bring all culprits to book.
Traditional leaders have also been demanded to rise above such cold-hearted beliefs and actions by impressing on their subjects of the need for respect of the elderly at all times.
The MCC has also appealed to the community and church to desist from fueling hate speech and actions and also to stand strong and preach peace, love, hope and compassion for all people irrespective of their status.
The Malawi Council of Churches finally calls upon all religious leaders in it’s 25 member Churches to stalwartly preach against violence of elderly people and all others during this period of 16 Days of activism and beyond.
