21/01/2026
PRESS BRIEFING STATEMENT.
ON RECENT TRIGGERING CASES OF VIOLENCE AGAINST PERSONS WITH ALBINISM IN MALAWI.
The Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi (APAM) has convened this press briefing to express deep concern and condemnation over recent disturbing cases that signal renewed threats to the safety, dignity, and lives of persons with albinism in Malawi. This press briefing is being conducted by APAM with financial support from Save the Children, whose continued commitment to child protection and human rights is highly appreciated.
Despite progress made by the government of Malawi and stakeholders in addressing attacks against persons with albinism, recent incidents particularly the last four months demonstrate that persons with albinism remain at a serious risk. On 25 October 2025, around 2 PM Diverson Banda, a child with albinism from Boola village In Chiradzulu was almost abducted. After the child was taken to a safer place, the perpetrators visited his home several times to attempt another abduction. In December 2025, Israel Mbewe, a person with albinism from Mulanje district, went missing under circumstances strongly suspected to be linked to albinism-related crimes. Alarmingly, within a six-week period, the grave of the late Maunsamatha Zacharia in Dowa district was tampered with-an act that reflects ongoing ritual-related practices and deep-rooted harmful beliefs. Just last week, a grave of Talandira Phiri in TA Chulu, kasungu was exhumed and his arm was stolen. This child was killed in 2022 by his own father.
These incidents have reignited fear, trauma, and insecurity among persons with albinism and their families across the country. They also expose persistent gaps in prevention, community surveillance, investigation, and accountability. Attacks against persons with albinism, whether in life or after death, are criminal acts and gross human rights violations that must never be tolerated. Months have passed since the disappearances, yet families and civil society actors report an absence of clear updates, search outcomes or arrests. To further add more damage, recent pardoning of six convicted officers in the murder of Buleya lule, a key witness in the murder case of Fanizo Goodson, a child with albinism has casted doubt on the robustness of accountability mechanisms and seriousness with which misconduct is treated. The convicts served barely 10 months while the pardoning guidelines are clear about releasing only convicts that have served at least half of their sentence and with minor not serious offences like murder. APAM strongly condemns these acts and calls upon the Malawi Police Service and relevant authorities to urgently expedite investigations into these cases, ensure arrests are made, and that perpetrators are brought to justice without delay. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done to restore confidence and deter future crimes. An explanation should also be made why the convicts were released.
Recommendations.
APAM makes the following key recommendations:
1. Fast-track investigations and prosecutions.
● Law enforcement agencies must prioritize and fast-track investigations into the disappearance of Israel Mbewe, the grave tampering of the late Maunsamatha Zacharia and all other cases involving persons with albinism with regular public updates on progress. Law enforcement authorities should be instructed to initiate investigations ex officio and without delay even in the absence of a formal complaint where there are reasonable grounds to suspect abduction and disappearance. Investigative measures should include immediate search operations, preservation of evidence, coordination across districts and boarder points and sustained follow up until the fate or whereabouts of the disappeared person is clarified.
● The State should intensify efforts to identify, investigate, and prosecute all individuals involved in disappearances, abductions, killings, and grave desecrations of persons with albinism, including intermediaries and members of organised criminal networks. Measures should be taken to ensure that accountability is not undermined by premature releases, pardons, or other practices that weaken deterrence in serious albinism-related cases. Any decisions affecting sentences in such cases should be guided by the gravity of the crimes and the rights of victims and their families.
2. Build institutional capacity and specialized expertise within law enforcement and justice institutions
The Government should invest in targeted capacity-building for police investigators, prosecutors, magistrates, and relevant judicial officers handling disappearance cases involving persons with albinism. Training should focus on understanding disappearances as continuing 4cviolations, conducting time-sensitive investigations, protecting vulnerable witnesses, and addressing the specific risk factors linked to ritual killings and trafficking of body parts. Strengthening institutional capacity will improve investigative effectiveness and contribute to guarantees of non-repetition.
Government should also enhance community policing, surveillance, and early warning mechanisms in high-risk districts, including protection of grave of persons with albinism.
3. Enhance community sensitization:
● intensify nationwide awareness campaigns to dismantle harmful myths and beliefs associated with albinism, targeting traditional leaders, faith leaders, and local communities.
4. Improve victim and family support:
● Ensure psycho-social support, legal aid, and protection services are provided to affected families and survivors.
5. Enforce existing laws and policies:
● Fully implement and enforce laws and policies designed to protect persons with albinism and hold perpetrators and accomplices accountable.
Call to action
APAM calls upon:
The government of Malawi to demonstrate political will by taking decisive coordinated action to protect persons with and ensure justice.
The Malawi Police Service and Judiciary to act swiftly, transparently, and professionally in handling these cases.
Traditional and community leaders to openly denounce these crimes and play an active role in community surveillance and prevention.
The media to report responsibly and ethically, helping to counter stigma and promote human rights.
Civil society organizations and development partners, including Save the Children, to continue supporting initiatives that protect and empower persons with albinism.
As a country, Malawi has committed itself to national, regional, and international human rights instruments, including the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the African Disability Protocol (ADP).
These commitments must translate into tangible protection, justice, and dignity for all persons with albinism.
APAM remains committed to working with all stakeholders to end violence against persons with albinism. We thank |Save the Children for their financial support toward this press briefing and for standing in solidarity with persons with albinism in the fight for justice and human rights.
No one should live in fear because of the color of their skin. The time to act is now!
Signed by,
Young Muhamba (APAM-President)
