As different stakeholders continue to express displeasure over the increased cases of sexual abuse against girls and brutal killings of elderly in the country, Family Rights, Elderly and Child Protection Organisation (FRECHIP), has joined the bandwagon to denounce the vice.
In a statement issued on October 29, the organization among other issues, has asked Parliament to review defilement laws, adequate protection and counselling of child abuse victims and stiffer punishment to the perpetrators of violence against the elderly.
FRECHIP Board Chairperson, Shenard Mazengera, has also confirmed the development to YFM online.
The statement said FRECHIP is deeply disturbed and shocked by the sharp increase in sexual abuse cases and killings of older people in Malawi.
Reads part of the statement: “As FRECHIP, we join Malawians in speaking against such criminal, cruel, inhuman and degrading behaviours and we particularly call for protection of the girl child against sexual predators who among them are trusted as guardians and teachers.
“We also strongly recommend special protection of elderly citizens against false accusations that has led to their killing.”
The Statement further expressed dismay by the involvement of children in the act of mob justice describing it as unfortunate to the society.
FRECHIP has also highlighted that it is a violation of human dignity and breaking of the law to accuse someone of practicing witchcraft just because he or she is old.
Therefore, the statement has concluded by calling upon parents and guardians to always ensure that the girl child is in the custody of trusted people and also urged Malawians to offer protection to elderly citizens as they are the “fountain of wisdom”.