Southeast African nation of Malawi has a complicated criminal history that is a reflection of its political, economic, and cultural environment.Leroy Vail and Landeg White (eds). Tribalism in the Political History of Malawi Although crime in Malawi dates back to pre-colonial times, it wasn't until the colonial era that it started to pose a serious threat.P Brietzke, (1974). The Chilobwe Murders Trial, African Studies Review, Vol. 17, No. 2.R Carver, (1990). Where Silence Rules: The Suppression of Dissent in Malawi, Human Rights Watch. ISBN 978-0-929692-73-9
Malawi witnessed a remarkable decline in homicide rates between 2006 and 2012, plummeting from 6.3 to 1.8 per 100,000 people, a staggering 70% reduction. Additionally, the Lilongwe Model Police Station saw a consistent decrease in arrests from 2017 to 2020, but this trend was disrupted in 2021 due to increased arrests related to COVID-19 regulations and sweeping exercises. Furthermore, data from the World Prison Brief reveals that the proportion of prisoners to the general population reached its peak in 2006, indicating a significant improvement in the country's safety and security landscape over the years.
Malawians' perceptions of crime and security, as reflected in Afrobarometer surveys, present a mixed picture. While the percentage of respondents who considered crime and security a top priority decreased from about 7% in 2005 to about 6.3% in 2019, suggesting a perceived improvement in the situation, other survey findings contradict this trend, indicating a more complex and nuanced situation.http://afrobarometer.org/sites/default/files/publications/Summary%20of%20results/mlw_r3_sor.pdfhttp://afrobarometer.org/sites/default/files/publications/Summary%20of%20results/mlw-r7-sor.pdf
History
Colonial period Certain customs were made illegal when the British colonized Malawi and imposed their legal system on the country. As a result, there was tension between the native populace and the colonial authorities, which increased crime.R I Rotberg, (1965). The Rise of Nationalism in Central Africa: The Making of Malawi and Zambia, 1873–1964, Cambridge (Mass), Harvard University Press.
Independence Following its independence in 1964, Malawi had to deal with a number of new issues, such as political instability, corruption, and poverty. Property crimes, violent crimes, public order crimes, cybercrimes, drug-related crimes, environmental crimes, and political crimes were among the crimes that increased as a result of the factors.L Rosen, (1978). Law and Social Change in the New Nations, Comparative Studies in Society and History, Vol. 20, No. 1
Vagrancy, loitering, and disorderly conduct are examples of public order crimes that frequently target marginalized communities. White-collar crimes include fraud, embezzlement, and corruption that affect officials in government and business. Cyberbullying, online fraud, and hacking are examples of the newly emerging cybercrimes. The illegal drug trade is connected to drug-related crimes, such as drug possession and trafficking. Malawi's natural resources are in danger due to environmental crimes such as pollution, poaching, and deforestation. Elections and political unrest are frequently associated with political crimes, such as treason, sedition, and political violence.
Every kind of crime has distinct traits and effects on Malawian society. For example, young people pursuing financial gain or status symbols are frequently the ones committing property crimes. Men commit violent crimes against women and children on a regular basis, which is a reflection of ingrained gender prejudices. Street vendors and sex workers are among the marginalized groups disproportionately affected by public order crimes. White-collar crimes erode public confidence in institutions and take funds away from vital public services. Cybercrimes take advantage of holes in Malawi's quickly expanding digital infrastructure. Drug-related offenses exacerbate addiction, health issues, and dissolutions in families. Malawi's sustainable development and biodiversity are at risk due to environmental crimes. Political crimes have the power to erode democratic progress and destabilize the nation.P Brietzke, (1974). The Chilobwe Murders Trial, pp. 363–5.
Despite the seemingly improved perception of crime and security, a closer look at the Afrobarometer survey results reveals a more concerning trend. Between 2005 and 2014, there was a significant 9-point rise in respondents reporting theft and physical attacks on family members. Furthermore, the proportion of Malawians dissatisfied with the government's efforts to combat crime surged from about 46% in 2005 to about 63.3% in 2019, indicating a growing discontent with the handling of crime and security issues.https://afrobarometer.org/sites/default/files/publications/Summary%20of%20results/mlw_r6_sor.pdf
The police selectively release crime statistics, only sharing quarterly figures when it benefits them, which is insufficient for understanding trends. They often neglect to consider crucial factors like population growth, political climate, and underreporting, which can significantly impact crime rates. Alarmingly, the reporting rates for crimes are low, with only 17% of assaults reported in 2004-2005 and 36% of all crimes reported in 2012, according to the census and Afrobarometer survey respectively. This incomplete data makes it challenging to accurately assess crime trends in Malawi.
Types of crimes and their incidents
Crimes against the person
Violence In 2018, a young woman was brutally attacked and left for dead by her ex-boyfriend. The victim, a university student, had ended the relationship, but the perpetrator couldn't accept it. He stalked her, attacked her with a machete, and left her with severe injuries. The case sparked outrage, highlighting the need to address gender-based violence and protect victims. In 2015, a violent incident occurred in Mzuzu, where a group of youths attacked a rival group, leaving several injured and one dead. The violence was sparked by a longstanding feud between the groups, highlighting the need for community interventions to address youth violence.
In 2012, a shocking incident happened in Zomba, where a woman was attacked and burned alive by her husband. The perpetrator, a businessman, had a history of domestic violence. He doused his wife with petrol and set her alight, leaving her with severe burns. The case sparked widespread condemnation, highlighting the need for stronger laws to protect victims of domestic violence.
Infanticide Malawi has experienced its share of infanticide cases, each one a tragic reminder of the need for support and protection for vulnerable mothers and children. In 2020, a young mother in Ntcheu was arrested for throwing her three-day-old baby into a pit latrine. The mother, who was reportedly struggling with mental health issues, had been abandoned by her husband and left to care for the child alone. The case highlighted the need for improved mental health services and support for new mothers.https://allafrica.com/stories/202004010424.html
In 2016, another was charged with murdering her newly born baby. The mother, who was reportedly experiencing economic difficulties, had been struggling to care for her child. The case emphasized the need for increased support for struggling families and access to resources for vulnerable mothers.
In 2013, a woman was arrested for strangling her two-week-old baby in Machinga. The mother, who had a history of depression, had been experiencing postpartum psychosis. The case highlighted the need for improved postnatal care and mental health services for new mothers.
In 2022, a 15-year-old girl was in police custody in Lilongwe at the Lilongwe Police Station for allegedly killing of her one-month-old baby in Katunga Village in TA Njewa.
Human trafficking Malawi has been facing rise in human trafficking with many victims being women and children since the early 2000s. In 2024, a 32-year-old Malawian woman, Georgina, was tricked into working as a maid in Sultanate of Oman with promises of a better life. Instead, she was subjected to physical and sexual abuse, forced to work long hours, and had her passport taken away. She managed to reach out for help through a Facebook post, which was seen by a social media activist user, Pililani Mombe Nyoni, in the US. The activist helped Georgina and soon discovered that many other Malawian women in Oman were facing similar situations. A WhatsApp group was formed, and over 50 women shared their harrowing experiences, including physical and sexual abuse, and being trapped without their passports. The group became a vital resource for the women to seek help and support. The story highlights the widespread human trafficking and abuse faced by female domestic workers in the Arab's Gulf states.
In 2018, another trafficking trade was uncovered between China and Malawi, where young women and girls as young as 14 were being sold into sex slavery and forced marriages. Traffickers in Malawi coerced vulnerable families to sell their daughters, promising a better life in China. However, the brides were subjected to physical and emotional abuse, and some were forced into prostitution. The Platform for Investigative Journalism in Malawi exposed the syndicate, sharing the heart-wrenching story of Ethel Moyo, who was forced into marriage with a Chinese man despite being underage. The UN was aware of the issue, but the Malawian government claimed ignorance. The Chinese Embassy in Malawi had not commented, but China had engaged Interpol on the matter. The trade was illegal under Malawi's Constitution and international law, and victims were being warned against seeking help.
In 2022, a 26-year-old Chinese national, Lu Ke, was charged with human trafficking in Malawi after allegedly exploiting and filming children singing racist chants. He was arrested in Zambia after fleeing Malawi and extradited back to face charges. Lu Ke was accused of selling the videos on Chinese social media and faced five counts of trafficking in persons, with more charges expected. He was denied bail due to being a flight risk and the risk of interfering with minor witnesses. The Chinese embassy in Malawi condemned Lu Ke's actions, stating that the Chinese government had zero tolerance for racism.
The Malawian government has taken steps to combat human trafficking, including enacting the Trafficking in Persons Act in 2015. The law criminalizes human trafficking and provides protection and support for victims. The government has also established a National Task Force on Human Trafficking, which includes various stakeholders working together to prevent trafficking and support victims.
The general public has also played a crucial role in combating human trafficking. Many organizations, such as the Malawi Network Against Trafficking (MNAT), have been established to raise awareness and support victims. MNAT has worked tirelessly to identify victims, provide counseling and support, and advocate for stronger laws and policies.
In addition, community members have been instrumental in reporting suspected cases of human trafficking, leading to numerous arrests and rescues. The public's increased awareness and engagement have helped to reduce the prevalence of human trafficking in Malawi.
Property crimes Property crimes, such as burglary, theft, and robbery, are often driven by economic necessity in Malawi. Violent crimes, such as assault, murder, and sexual offenses, are often linked to alcohol abuse and gender inequality.
Money laundering Money laundering, a serious economic crime, involves concealing illicit funds to make them appear legitimate. Malawi has faced its share of money laundering cases, often linked to corruption, fraud, and organized crime.