Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Jean Sendeza has condemned a surge in violence and killings of older people over witchcraft accusations.

Speaking at a media briefing on Thursday in Lilongwe, Sendeza said 26 older persons have been killed while 100 others have suffered various attacks in a space of two years for being accused of practicing witchcraft.

Sendeza observed that perpetrators to the vice are usually those closely related to the victims and the youth are on the forefront unleashing the terror.

While calling for converted efforts in dealing with the barbaric attacks, Sendeza also expressed concern with the delay in prosecuting cases on ageism in the courts adding that this is fueling the vice.

Director of disability and elderly affairs at the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) Wycliffe Masoo, described the situation as worrisome.

He expressed the need to engage the Chief Justice on how to expedite a backlog of cases on elderly abuse.

Malawi Network for Older Persons Organisations (MANEPO) project manager Linda Matita expressed the need for mindset change and fast tracking of the tabling of a Bill that seeks to protect the elderly.