By Suleman Chitera
A proposal to chop off the manhood of rapists as punishment has sparked intense debate in Malawi. The Minister of Gender, Hon Navitcha, made the statement in parliament, sparking mixed reactions.
Make Malawi Great Again (MMGA) grouping supports the proposal, with Executive Chairman Dymon Banda stating it could lower rape cases. “We feel this punishment will serve as a deterrent. It’s time we take a tough stance on those who commit such heinous crimes,” Dymon Banda said.
According to Dymon Banda, Malawi is grappling with a significant challenge of gender-based violence (GBV), with rape cases being a major concern. “In Q1 2020, 339 victims of sexual violence were reported, constituting 17% of all cases, with rape alone accounting for 1%. In Lilongwe, our district has recorded 6,859 GBV cases from April 2023 to April 2024, with 5,429 involving women and 1,430 involving men,” Dymon Banda said.
Dymon Banda further emphasized, “These statistics are alarming. 1 in 5 women in Malawi have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime, 42% of girls experience physical violence before their 18th birthday, and 37.5% of women aged 15-49 years have experienced intimate partner physical and/or sexual violence at least once in their lifetime.”
Dymon Banda reiterated, “As Dymon Banda, I believe rape is a serious offense that destroys lives. If chopping off the manhood of rapists can prevent future cases, then we are all for it. We need to take drastic measures to address this issue.”
MMGA, a grouping known for backing the DPP-led current government in all its policies, has thrown its weight behind the proposal through its national secretary, Comrade Bonface Joseph.
However, some human rights activists have expressed concerns over the proposal, citing potential human rights violations. “This punishment is inhumane and goes against the principles of justice,” said a local activist.
The proposal has also sparked a heated debate on social media, with many Malawians weighing in on the issue. Malawians are yet to see if Make Malawi Great Again’s Dymon Banda’s statement will win majority feel for citizenship
