MANEPO Awaits Stiff Punishment For The Convict Who Raped 73 Year Old Granny

Elderly persons in the country are continuing to face all forms of harrassments despite numerous efforts by different stakeholders to create a safer environment for their living.

On Monday this week, the First Grade Magistrates Court in Nkhata-Bay has convicted a 50-year-old Willy Mwicha for raping a 73-year-old woman of Chazama Village, Tradiional Authority Fukamalaza at Chintheche in the district.

The Court heard through the state prosecutor, Sub Inspector Imed Isaac that on July 17, 2022 a daughter to the victim left her mother sleeping in her sick bed and went to fetch water but when she came back she saw the suspect bursting out of the house suspiciously.

“Upon entering the house, she was surprised to see her sick mother on the floor, after quizzing her, the paralyzed granny who doesn’t speak properly signalled about the incident that happened to her.

“When the daughter checked her mother thoroughly, she noticed blood dropping from granny’s private parts and the matter was immediately reported to Chintheche Police Post where investigations were instituted leading to the arrest of the suspect on July 20, 2022,” said Isaac.

Appearing in court the accused person denied the charges prompting the state to parade 5 witnesses including the medical report to prove him wrong guilty and was eventually convicted by the Magistrate, Ezekiel Kamtikana.

However, the presiding magistrate said the case file will be forwarded to Mzuzu Senior Resident Magistrates court for appropriate sentencing, therefore adjourned the case to a later date.

Commenting on the matter, the Executive Director for Malawi Network of Older Persons -MANEPO, Andrew Kavala said it is disheartening to hear of continued violation of the rights for the elderly person despite vigorous campaigns aimed at curbing the malpractice.

“It is disheartening for the country to continue registering such cases, older persons are not safe even from their close family relations, let’s hope the Court will pass a deterrent sentence to other would-be offenders,” Kavala said.

Meanwhile, MANEPO says it is making headway in one of its new Health Projects funded by SADC through HelpAge International aimed at supporting timely screening and diagnosis of HIV and AIDS, early anti-retoral therapy initiation for the 50+ population experiencing non-communicable diseases and intersectional vulnerability.