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HRCC Condemns Purported Rape of a Girl at Mlakho Ceremony

The festival united DPP camps The festival united DPP camps Source: ZBS library

The Human Rights Consultative Committee has condemned the alleged defilement of a girl at this year's Mulhako wa aLhomwe cultural festival which took place over the weekend at Chonde in Mulanje.

Speaking to Zodiak Online, HRCC chairperson Robert Mkwezalamba says the matter was unfortunate and a wakeup call for organisers of such events to start ensuring that young people are protected at such events.

"What happened should be condemned and investigated so that the ones who perpetrated this act are brought to book," said Mkwezalamba.

He added that there is a need to control the way people consume libido concoctions and alcohol at such cultural festivals, saying abuse of such substance could be the cause for the uncalled-for behavior.

On politics, referring former president and Democratic Progressive Party leader Peter Mutharika, Mkwezalamba said that politicians should desist from politicizing cultural events saying the practice might divide people on tribal lines.

"Cultural events must be depoliticized as they are meant to unite different people's and government must be taken aboard as it acts as a custodian of culture,” narrated the HRCC boss.

On the other hand, Neno based business man Mike Dambo while admiring the cultural festival, said the defilement case is a disgrace hence the need for parents to take a leading role in ensuring safety of their wards.

Mavuto Phiri from Lilongwe says politicizing cultural events is not good for coexistence but should be used as a platform of unity.

"Malawi is going through a lot now, economically, so I thought the rare meeting of big political names could have been used as an opportunity to bang heads on finding solutions to our current situation,” he said.

During the event, former president Peter Mutharika spoke of the need for those vying for the party’s top seat to wait for a convention or else exit the part.

The Mulhako wa aLhomwe organizing committee sidelined the government, claiming it was a cost cutting measure.

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Last modified on Thursday, 13/10/2022

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