Police in Machinga District have advised individuals with albinism to avoid walking at night and refrain from sleeping alone in their homes to enhance their security.
Sub Inspector Masautso Katemera, the Community Policing Coordinator for Machinga Police Station, made these remarks during a meeting with persons with albinism from Paramount Chief Kawinga in the district.
The purpose of the meeting was to gather data on the number of individuals with albinism living under Paramount Chief Kawinga and to discuss safety matters.
Sub Inspector Katemera urged the community to avoid allowing children with albinism to travel long distances alone, such as to school or church, and to accompany them for their protection.
During the meeting, police also distributed security gadgets to individuals with albinism as a means of enhancing their safety.
“We encourage you to report any suspicious individuals in your area to your village chiefs or community policing committee. Additionally, when leaving your home, ensure that you leave your children with trusted individuals, not just anyone,” he said.
At the same meeting, GVH Mizinga, representing Paramount Chief Kawinga, stated that traditional leaders would take the lead in ensuring the security of individuals with albinism in the area and would work to ensure that children with albinism attend school.
GVH Mizinga also expressed gratitude to the Machinga Police for their commitment to protecting people with albinism.
In his remarks, Richard Kalasa, the Station Executive Chairperson (SEC) for Machinga District, advised the community to associate only with those they know well and to avoid excessive alcohol consumption to protect themselves from criminals.
