The author presenting a Certificate of Recognition to police officer Emmanuel Magwira, who was injured while defending accused witches from a mob in Karonga, Malawi.
In mid-October 2022, I was traveling in Mozambique when I saw a social media post by my colleague Leo Igwe, head of the Nigeria-based group Advocacy for Alleged Witches. One of the most active and influential Africans fighting witchcraft beliefs and superstitions, Igwe posted a short piece based on reporting in Malawi by Adams Wundaninge for the news outlet Zodiak: “Kaporo Police Unit Officer In-charge Assistant Superintendent Arnold Mwalwimba is battling for his life at the district hospital after being stoned by irate villagers who were baying for the blood of a witchcraft suspect in Kasantha.” Mwalwimba was one of three officers who tried to stop a mob from attacking a suspected witch.