Malawi police welcomes first set of albino officers

The Malawi Police Service has commissioned the first set of albino officers after two people living with albinism were welcomed into the force on Tuesday.

The two new officers, Constables Hamid Vasco and Brenda Mhlanga, graduated from the National Police College after six months of training.

They were welcomed into the police service along with other new recruits.

Vasco, a 25-year-old albino, who said it had always been his dream to join the police, said he decided to join the force to help stop attacks on people with albinism in the Southern African nation.

He said: “So, this gave me the opportunity to apply to be a police officer so that I can work hand in hand with my fellow officers on issues of investigating the cases and crimes concerning the killing and abduction of persons with albinism.”

READ ALSO: ‘I need my wife’s services’, Malawi President explains decision for taking family to virtual conference in London

Malawian authorities have battled over the years to curb attacks on people living with albinism who are often targeted by ritual killers over the belief that certain parts of their organs bring good luck.

Statistics have shown that since 2014, more than 170 albinos have been attacked or killed in Malawi because of the false beliefs that concoctions mixed with their body parts bring luck and wealth.

Rights groups said the recruitment of albinos into the police would help rebuild public confidence in the force, after some officers were connected to attacks on people with albinism.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now