Chinsapo Police Unit criminal investigations officer Blessings Chimaliro has bemoaned continued attacks on innocent people by alleged gulewamkulu masquerades.

He expressed the sentiments on Monday at Chinsapo Secondary School in Lilongwe during a meeting with traditional leaders.

Chimaliro said during some cultural events or funerals, they record on average six cases of unlawful wounding perpetrated by alleged gulewamkulu members.

He said: “When there is a funeral ceremony, for example, some people who claim to be gulewamkulu cult members harass people whom they force to give them money. “When people refuse, they turn violent and hack them.”

Chimaliro: They force people
to give them money

Chimaliro said a 22-year-old man, name concealed, is receiving medical treatment at Kamuzu Central Hospital after some individuals in gulewamkulu regalia assaulted and robbed him of K46 000 and a mobile phone worth K63 000.

He said the suspects are still at large.

Central West Region Police chairperson Alex Chapondera urged the chiefs to formulate vibrant community policing structures to ensure public safety.

“Set up strong community policing structures to deal with crimes such as attacks on innocent people. It is sad that some people have ambushed Chewa culture to steal from others,” he said.

Group village head Kumthinda said he confronts anyone masquerading as gulewamkulu to rob people.

“I go from one village to another to persuade people not allow these fake gulewamkulu operate in their area,” he said.

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