Killings of Elderly Surge in Malawi Amid Witchcraft Allegations

Malawi is facing a sharp escalation in violence against its seniors, with the Malawi Network of Older Persons Organizations warning that killings tied to witchcraft allegations are surging. The group reports 11 elderly people were murdered in the first three months of this year—putting the country on pace to surpass the 22 deaths documented across all of 2025.

Executive Director Andrew Kavala called the trend “alarming,” noting that more than 300 older persons have been killed over witchcraft accusations since 2015. Urging swift action from traditional leaders and human rights advocates, Kavala said a rise in sexual violence against the elderly is further deepening what he described as a growing national emergency.