NICE Trust Decries Rising Witchcraft Killings

Nsanje, Malawi — The National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Public Trust has strongly condemned the disturbing rise in mob violence and ritual-related killings in Chikwawa and Nsanje districts, where six people have already lost their lives over witchcraft accusations and alleged body part theft, writes Tionge Hara. In a statement released on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, NICE Executive Director Gray Kalindekafe described the acts as morally indefensible and a gross violation of the Constitution of Malawi, particularly the rights to life, human dignity, and access to justice. “Taking the law into one’s own hands leads only to prison, broken families, and destroyed futures,” Kalindekafe warned. He reminded citizens that mob justice is both a serious crime under Malawi law and a violation of international human rights standards. The Trust highlighted that false witchcraft accusations are punishable by up to five years in prison under the Witchcraft Act, while murder carries the death penalty or life imprisonment. Trial by ordeal resulting in death can also attract life imprisonment. NICE appealed to Malawian cultural values, invoking the Ubuntu philosophy of “I am because we are.” “To kill or harm another is to diminish ourselves; to protect life is to affirm our shared dignity,” the statement read. **Multi-Sectoral Intervention Needed** The organisation called for urgent coordinated action to restore order in the Shire Valley: - **Law Enforcement**: Police should intensify patrols and ensure all perpetrators face justice. - **Traditional Leaders**: Urged to discourage harmful myths and promote the sanctity of human life. - **Judiciary**: Courts must deliver swift and firm rulings to deter future violence. - **Civil Society**: Strengthen community dialogues to combat superstition and build trust in the formal justice system. So far, 45 suspects have been arrested by police in connection with the killings in Chikwawa and Nsanje districts. NICE reaffirmed its commitment to using civic education to promote peace, tolerance, and respect for human rights in the affected areas.