Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Thomas Kachere
Published on 2024-04-02 06:39:06
The 13-year-old boy from Mulanje who was reportedly subjected to torture by officers from the Misanjo Police Unit has undergone another surgical procedure to remove the remaining left palm, leaving him without hands. Rhoda, the boy’s guardian at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, confirmed to The Daily Times that the boy’s left palm has been amputated.
“He returned to the operating theatre and the remaining palm has been amputated. The doctors are managing his wounds. We are still in need of assistance from well-wishers as we are facing resource constraints after spending a long time in the hospital,” Rhoda explained.
The boy’s recovery has been complicated by infections, leading the doctors to make the difficult decision to completely amputate his hand. Rhoda mentioned that they anticipate a longer hospital stay this time as the boy heals from these fresh wounds.
The boy’s ordeal began on January 30, 2024, when he was apprehended by community members on suspicion of stealing money from a businessperson whose goats he was looking after. Despite some of the money being recovered after the arrest, the businessperson allegedly tied the boy with rubber bands and handed him over to the Misanjo Police Unit, instructing them not to untie him.
Child rights activist Memory Chisenga expressed dismay at the boy’s suffering, emphasizing the need for justice and a swift resolution to the case to hold the perpetrators accountable. The boy is being supported by legal representatives from the Centre for Human Rights Education, Advice and Assistance, the Southern Africa Litigation Centre, and the Malawi Human Rights Commission.
As the boy is the main witness in the case, the proceedings were postponed to May 6, 2024, to allow for his recovery. Gift Trapence, the chairperson of the Human Rights Defenders Coalition, called on the Inspector General of Police to treat the case with the utmost seriousness.
In conclusion, the harrowing experience of this young boy at the hands of law enforcement underscores the importance of upholding human rights and ensuring justice for victims of abuse. The continued support from organizations and individuals is crucial in assisting the boy with his recovery and seeking accountability for those responsible for his suffering. Let us stand together in advocating for a society where such atrocities are not tolerated, and where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.
Read the original article on The Times
