By Burnett Munthali
Youth and Society (YAS) has welcomed the conviction of six police officers implicated in the murder of Buleya Lule, marking a significant milestone in the fight for justice and human rights in Malawi.
Buleya Lule was arrested in February 2019 for his alleged involvement in the abduction of a boy with albinism in Dedza District. However, he died under suspicious circumstances while in police custody, sparking outrage and calls for accountability.
Following investigations into his death, 13 police officers were arrested and charged. While all pleaded not guilty, the High Court in 2022 found 10 of them with a case to answer. On December 21, 2024, six of the officers were convicted, drawing a mixed sense of relief and reflection across the nation.
In a statement signed by YAS Executive Director Charles Kajoloweka, the organization lauded High Court Judge Chifundo Kachali for the landmark ruling. The statement reads:
“The ruling sends an unequivocal message: Torture has no place in democratic Malawi.”
The organization further commended the court’s stance against torture, highlighting its alignment with global human rights standards.
“We applaud the court for its clarity and courage in affirming that no circumstance, however challenging, can justify the use of torture to extract evidence. As the court rightly noted, the pressures faced by the Malawi Police Service (MPS) do not permit the abandonment of fundamental rights. This finding affirms the spirit of Article 2 of the UN Convention against Torture,” the statement added.
The sentencing of the convicted officers has been scheduled for January 8, 2025. The outcome is eagerly awaited, with many viewing it as an opportunity to reinforce accountability and deter future human rights violations within law enforcement.
The conviction of the six officers is being hailed as a pivotal step in the ongoing quest for justice for Buleya Lule and his family. It also underscores the broader need for systemic reforms within the Malawi Police Service to prevent abuses of power and uphold the rule of law.
As Malawi continues to grapple with issues of justice and accountability, this case serves as a stark reminder of the need to protect the fundamental rights of all citizens, regardless of the circumstances.
