Police in the lake shore district of Mangochi are appealing to initiation ceremony celebrants locally known as “Chinamwali” to adhere to COVID-19 precautionary measures and avoid committing crimes during the initiation ceremonies.
Mangochi Police Station Public Relations Officer Amina Tepani Daudi told Malawi Muslims Official Website that the reminder comes as initiation ceremonies are around the corner and expected to start the coming weekend. Mangochi is one of the districts where its people practice Jando for young boys and Nsondo for girls mostly in August to September every year.
Daudi says the traditional leaders and initiation camp managers(Angaliba) are reminded to adhere to guidelines which have been put in place by the office of the District Commissioner such as not to exceed maximum figure of 50 children per camp(Simba).
“In addition, the Station bemoans the tendency of some celebrants dancing and playing in the roads which cause road accidents and traffic jam to other road users.Police also appeal to Angaliba against practising harmful cultural beliefs which put at risk lives and future of younger ones such as “Kuchotsa fumbi/mafuta,” he says.
She adds, ” Parents and guardians are strictly warned to take care of their children, not to allow them loitering around and attending overnight celebrations which normally happen in the coming days especially female children to avoid being molested.”
Daudi says the public is also reminded to adhere to Covid-19 regulations during celebrations in order to contain the virus.
“The general public is therefore assured of safety and security during the entire journey. The Station has rolled out intensive day and night patrols, sweeping exercises and snap roadblocks to flash out criminal activities,” she says.
Mangochi Police Station has warned the general public not to exceed the 2-week period given for the initiation ceremonies and anyone found violating the laws will be dealt with accordingly.
