20 Oct 2017 | 04:08 PM UTC
Malawi: Vigilante violence in the south leads to 140 arrests as of Oct. 20 /update 3
Vigilante violence against people accused of vampirism since mid-September leads to 140 arrests and at least nine killings in Southern region as of October 20
Event
Vigilante unrest and violence against those accused of vampirism continues in the Southern region. At least 140 suspected members of vigilante mobs have been arrested as of Friday, October 20, since their series of attacks against so-called "bloodsuckers" began in mid-September. As of October 20, at least nine people have been killed in the attacks, including at least two killings recorded on Thursday, October 19. According to Britain's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), the areas most affected by vigilante violence are around Mount Mulanje, as well as the districts of Blantyre, Zomba, and Nsanje.
Additionally, the US Embassy in Malawi reported related transportation disruptions due to protests in Blantyre on Chileka Road - the main route to Chileka International Airport (BLZ) - near the Chileka roundabout (intersection with the M1 highway) on October 19; the Malawi Police Service (MPS) was deployed to disperse the crowd with tear gas. The MPS also reported traffic disruptions and damage to vehicles in related unrest in Kachere Township (Zomba district) and the vicinity on October 19. Additional vigilant unrest and associated transportation disruptions are possible over the coming days in the affected areas, particularly in Blantyre and Zomba districts.
Context
Tensions have been high since mid-September in the Mulanje area, with rumors of the presence of "bloodsuckers" - alluding to fears of vampirism and witchcraft - thought to be attacking local residents. Lynch mobs have targeted people not known to the local community and accused them of vampirism. The violence has since spread ton neighboring Phalombe, Thyolo, and Chiradzulu districts. Earlier in October, the UN removed staff from two areas in southern Malawi due to the threat of vigilante violence. A similar spate of violence linked to rumors of vampirism was experienced in the country in 2002.
Advice
Individuals in the southern region are advised to avoid traveling at night in the Blantyre and Zomba districts over the coming days. Individuals are also advised to exercise caution, avoid all large gatherings, and follow all orders issued by local authorities as well as advice issued by home governments, and monitor the situation.
In general, individuals throughout the country should remain vigilant due to high crime rates, particularly in Lilongwe and Blantyre and other major cities (maintain a low profile, be particularly vigilant at night, be aware that criminals may be armed, etc.).
