Central West, Malawi: Malawi Police Force called for an urgent meeting with Central West Region leaders as homicides surge.
Many traditional leaders participated in the meeting to address the increase in crime. They listed out some reasons which may have contributed to some of these issues, including:
- Witchcraft accusations
- land disputes,
- gender-based violence
The authorities believe that these are some of the most prominent reasons contributing to the increase in murder cases. The Police authorities of Central West have shared the statistics of homicide incidents recorded in the country during 2022 and 2023.
According to Central West Region Community Policing Coordinator Superintendent Byson Golden, the region from January to November 2023 recorded 300 cases as compared to 260 cases in a similar period last year.
“The districts involved are Dedza, Ntcheu, Mchinji and Lilongwe where murder cases have increased by 15 percent. What we are doing to address the problem is to engage traditional authorities to discourage the trends,” he said.
Commenting on the development, Dedza Police Officer-In-Charge, Mwizamonse Nyoni, said the district has managed to reduce murder cases through community sensitisation in collaboration with traditional leaders.
“Dedza station registered 26 murder cases from January to November 2023 as compared to 31 murder cases recorded during a similar period in 2022 representing a 16 percent decrease,” she observed.
The people of Malawi are appreciating the police force for engaging the traditional leaders of the communities in combatting crime. The people believe that the traditional leaders and representatives of the communities have the power to inspire the people under their charge.
The traditional leaders have revealed that many culprits commit homicide under the influence of superstition (witchcraft/witch hunting) or misinformation. These authorities can fight this by educating and informing the people of their respective communities.
Meanwhile, other stimulants of homicide, like gender-based-violence can be curbed with stronger laws and strict punishments.