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Lilongwe – The Association of People with Albinism in Malawi (APAM) has expressed shock and concern over a recurrence of murders involving citizens living with albinism in the country, Malawi24 reports. Boniface Massa, president of the organisation, revealed that a rise in albino killings had been reported in the past three months, causing fear amongst those living with the condition.

“It’s unfortunate that the abductions and killings of people with albinism has reappeared and it has affected people with albinism in such a way that they are failing to participate in community activities, going to school as well as doing business,” Massa was quoted as saying.

The association attributed the surge in attacks to legal weakness in the country and lenient punishments where albino victims were concerned. The development came just a few days after government officials announced that harsh penalties would be imposed on those who sought to harm albino nationals.

A previous News24 report revealed that a task team had been set up to deal with crimes against albino citizens, although funding had not been received to fully implement operations.

APAM has since called on the government to avoid delays and to protect those under attack. – AFP