Chewa Heritage Foundation (CHEFO) has warned copycats of Gule wa Mkulu translated as (Masquerade Dance) on 11th October, to stop using the traditional dance for criminal purposes in Lilongwe.

The Publicity Secretary for CHEFO Jimmy Hendricks Chikuni cried over the cases that CHEFO has received recently of Gule Wa Mkulu within the central region.

Chikuni said, “More people have complained that Gule wa Mkulu has been abusing them including stealing, beating, blocking roads and other violent acts, it has gone far as dressing in religious and political party attires which is common in areas such as area 24, 36, By pass, Kalinyeke in Dedza.”

“Gule wa Mkulu comes from initiation camps only, but those that comes out for no apparent reason are not from our tribe, trying to tarnish the Gule wa Mkulu reputation,” said Chikuni.

Some Chiefs have been put in charge of permitting the release of Gule wa Mkulu not block leaders, all initiation camps should be registered and those operating outside the registered camps should be arrested.

Political parties that would like to have Gule wa Mkulu should consult the senior chiefs.

He also pointed out that Gule wa Mkulu should not be found in schools, churches, mosques, and should not move around with weapons as is the manner of some to avoid accidents and he has urged Malawians to report Gule wa Mkulu that does not follow these rules to the chiefs and police.