By Wendy Mkandawire
The Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (MACODA) has expressed deep concern over the continued threats and attacks targeting persons with disabilities in the country.
In an interview, MACODA spokesperson Harriet Kachimanga described such acts as dangerous violations of the rights of people with disabilities and warned that they go beyond criminality.
Her remarks follow reports of a threat made against a 10-year-old boy with albinism in Biwi Township, Lilongwe.
According to MACODA, on August 14, 2026, a 21-year-old man currently in police custody, was allegedly overheard by the victim and his peers openly inciting violence. The suspect reportedly said that chopping off the young boy’s arm would earn him millions of kwacha.
Kachimanga said such statements reflect the dangerous myths and dehumanizing ideologies that continue to fuel ritual attacks against persons with albinism.
“These are not just intimidating remarks but are also manifestations of dangerous myths and dehumanizing ideologies that continue to fuel ritual attacks against people with albinism in malawi”, she added.
MACODA has urged members of the public to immediately report any threats or acts of violence against persons with disabilities to the relevant authorities for action.
The Council also pledged to closely monitor court proceedings in the Biwi case and to provide legal and psychosocial support to the child and his family.
According to Kachimanga, the incident breaches Section 24 of the Persons with Disabilities Act No. 4 of 2024, which prohibits inhumane and degrading treatment of persons with disabilities.
MACODA further flagged delays in finalizing cases involving violations of the rights of people with albinism as a major challenge.
The Association of People with Albinism in Malawi (APAM) has repeatedly called on the Judiciary to expedite all such cases to ensure timely justice for victims.
