Condemnation of Mob Violence Following the Killing of Seven People in Nsanje and Chikwawa Districts, Including 16 Older Persons Killed Across the Country This Year
The Malawi Human Rights Commission (the Commission) is deeply shocked by recent mob violence in Nsanje and Chikwawa Districts, which has resulted in the deaths of seven people and several injuries.
These unfortunate incidents were triggered by fabricated and misleading claims about the missing of people’s private parts through witchcraft. Acts of mob violence triggered by accusations of witchcraft are not isolated to Chikwawa and Nsanje districts. These incidents continue to happen across the country and seem to suggest a widespread belief in witchcraft. Since January 2026, 16 older persons have been killed across the country.
Section 16 of the Constitution states that no person shall be arbitrarily deprived of their life, and Section 19(1) protects the right to human dignity. Unfortunately, both sections have been violated in these shocking incidents.
The recent incidents of mob justice in the two districts, and indeed the broader pattern witnessed across the country over time, constitute a serious violation of constitutional rights. They undermine the sanctity of life and carry a real risk of escalating into broader lawlessness. Such conduct is a direct affront to the rule of law, which remains a foundational pillar of any democratic society.
The Commission, as the institution responsible and mandated to protect and investigate violations of rights guaranteed under the Constitution and other applicable laws, has taken necessary actions within its mandate to address these violations as follows:
(i) engagement with the Malawi Police Service to ensure that these attacks are stopped and peace and order are restored to the affected areas; (ii) deployment of a team of investigators in the two districts to conduct a thorough investigation that will lead to findings and practical recommendations to address the violations; (iii) conduct a human rights investigation into the systemic killings of older persons across the country.
The Commission further reiterates that mob justice is a criminal act. Subjecting individuals to punishment outside established justice delivery mechanisms is barbaric, unlawful, and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Malawi Police Service (MPS)
- The Commission commends the MPS for apprehending some of the suspects in the recent wave of mob attacks, and urges the Service to conduct thorough investigations, ensure there is a full and conclusive trial, and, in the meantime, prevent any further escalation.
- The MPS must institute an investigation into the systemic killings of older persons across the country to find a lasting solution to end this injustice and human rights violation of older persons.
Traditional and religious leaders need to play their rightful role in educating their subjects and members about appropriate grievance redress mechanisms without taking the law into their own hands, and that witchcraft accusations remain a violation of the country’s laws.
The media. All journalists are reminded to exercise responsible reporting. While press freedom remains paramount to the consolidation of democracy, reporters need to observe and adhere to professional standards at all times.
The Media Council of Malawi should take action on media houses that irresponsibly reported on the unsubstantiated claims of disappearing private parts in Nsanje and Chikwawa, which may have led to the escalation of the shocking, violent attacks.
Local Councils
All local councils are urged to put in place administrative measures that will explicitly define and prohibit any form of mob justice and violent killings.
General Public
All children, women, men, and youth are urged not to engage in such heinous acts of violence and, importantly, to report all perpetrators to law enforcement agencies.
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Mrs. Chikondi Chijozi Jere Chairperson 12th May, 2026
