Civic Education and National Unity Minister Timothy Mtambo has called for more civic awareness on issues regarding mob justice . He was speaking on Friday in Dedza where he held a Civic awareness engagement on mob Justice. The area has been a scene of a recent incident where a 70 year old woman, Stella Chigule, was murdered by unknown assailants on witchcraft accusations.
Speaking at the meeting which he had with the locals and the police Mtambo said he was shocked to learn of the manner in which the late Stella Chigule died. “We have come here to pay respect to the soul of our late grandmother “ . The minister said State President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has already expressed his shock with what happenned in Dedza and also on the escalating incidents of Mob justice and other incidents that highlights the problem of lack respect for the rule of law.
Mtambo acknowledged that the issues of witchcraft are complex to deal with but he was optimistic that with a well executed civic awareness campaign, people will begin to understand the need to involve the police and traditional leaders to help sort out the issues, rather than quickly opting in taking the law into their own hands.
The Minister assured the locals that government will do its best to make sure that peace prevails within the communities “ Malawi is a God fearing Nation and we are a country governed by laws that need to be respected . Our problems should be resolved amicably. We need to live in peace and harmony and always strive to maintain peace” said the Minister
Mtambo also spoke of the need to build good relationship between the police and the communities. He said people should not be afraid to approach the police if they have any problems and also urged the police to make sure that they work towards gaining trust of the locals . In so doing , the Minister argued that it will mitigate the possibility of people resorting to mob justice when they know Police is available. He also urged the locals to use religious and Traditional leaders who are also key in resolving most of the issues that arise s in the communities.
Also Present during the engagement was the Member of parliament for the area(Dedza North) Hon Savero Kafwafwa, Senior Chief Sultan Tambala and the Police Commissioner.
