A teenager in Dedza district attempted to end his life after approximately 660,000 kwacha vanished from his small enterprise under circumstances locals attribute to sorcery. The 17-year-old youth operated a business selling cooking oil, preparing fried potatoes and processing mobile money transactions in Bembeke under Traditional Authority Kamenyagwaza. Community members discovered him during the attempt and transported him to Dedza District Hospital for emergency care.
Local traditional authorities, Group Village Head Khongoni and Sub-Traditional Authority Kumbuwa, demanded the minor pay 75,000 kwacha as a penalty for disgracing the village through his actions. Child protection activist Martin Kapolo challenged the punishment and persuaded the leaders to reverse their ruling. He noted the boy required mental health intervention rather than financial penalties. Senior Chief Kamenyagwaza summoned all involved parties to address the situation.
Edward Chisanga from the district social welfare office stated his department monitors the case closely. He stressed that attempts at self-harm signal psychological distress requiring clinical intervention instead of disciplinary measures. While avoiding criticism of traditional leadership, Chisanga emphasized the need to educate chiefs about appropriate responses to mental health crises.
Local traditional authorities, Group Village Head Khongoni and Sub-Traditional Authority Kumbuwa, demanded the minor pay 75,000 kwacha as a penalty for disgracing the village through his actions. Child protection activist Martin Kapolo challenged the punishment and persuaded the leaders to reverse their ruling. He noted the boy required mental health intervention rather than financial penalties. Senior Chief Kamenyagwaza summoned all involved parties to address the situation.
Edward Chisanga from the district social welfare office stated his department monitors the case closely. He stressed that attempts at self-harm signal psychological distress requiring clinical intervention instead of disciplinary measures. While avoiding criticism of traditional leadership, Chisanga emphasized the need to educate chiefs about appropriate responses to mental health crises.
