The Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi (APAM) has raised alarm over renewed cases of violence, abductions and grave tampering involving persons with albinism, warning that the community remains under serious threat despite years of interventions.
Speaking during a press briefing in Lilongwe on Wednesday, APAM President Young Muhamba said recent incidents over the past four months have reignited fear and trauma among people living with albinism and their families.
Muhamba cited several disturbing cases, including an attempted abduction of Diverson Banda, a child with albinism from Boola Village in Chiradzulu on October 25, 2025. He said the perpetrators later returned several times to the child’s home in what appeared to be attempts to carry out the crime.
He also referred to the disappearance of Israel Mbewe, a person with albinism from Mulanje District in December 2025, in circumstances strongly suspected to be linked to albinism-related crimes. In addition, the grave of the late Maunsamatha Zacharia in Dowa District was tampered with within a six-week period, while just last week, the grave of Talandira Phiri in Traditional Authority Chulu in Kasungu was exhumed and his arm stolen. The child was killed in 2022 by his own father.
These incidents have reignited fear, trauma and insecurity among persons with albinism and their families. Despite years of interventions, people with albinism remain at serious risk. Justice must not only be done, but must be seen to be done, to restore confidence and deter future crimes. No one should live in fear because of the colour of their skin. The time to act is now,” he said.
APAM also criticised the recent pardon of six convicted police officers in the murder of Buleya Lule, a key witness in the murder of Fanizo Goodson, a child with albinism, saying the move has cast doubt on the government’s commitment to accountability. Muhamba said the officers served only about 10 months in prison despite guidelines that pardons should apply to minor offences and to convicts who have served at least half of their sentences.
“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done to restore confidence and deter future crimes,” he said, calling for an explanation over the release of the convicts.
Muhamba has since called on the Malawi Police Service to fast-track investigations into all the reported cases, ensure arrests are made and bring perpetrators to justice without delay. He also urged government to strengthen community policing, protect graves of persons with albinism, build capacity within law enforcement and intensify public awareness campaigns to dismantle harmful myths associated with albinism.
APAM further appealed for psycho-social and legal support for affected families and for full enforcement of existing laws and policies protecting persons with albinism.
The organisation has also called on traditional leaders, the media, civil society organisations and development partners to join forces in ending violence against persons with albinism.
The press briefing was held with financial support from Save the Children.