Malawi president to visit victims of 'vampire attacks' after deadly violence

Malawian President Peter Mutharika is scheduled to visit the southern region of the country after six were killed in violence over reports of “vampires” sucking blood of residents.

The vampirism scare started after a rumour on Monday sparking vigilante groups in the towns of Mulanje, Phalombe and Chiradzulu to set up road blocks and attack people accused of sucking people’s blood or working with the so-called vampires for ritual purposes.

The United Nations instructed its staff to temporarily relocate to a safer area and said in a report that the rumour had originated from neighbouring Mozambique.

The president expressed concern at the incident and imposed a night curfew while the government investigates the matter.

Mutharika called for calm and requested religious leaders to lead the communities in prayers as the police ensure security.

“The President urges all to remain united and continue believing that God did not give us the spirit of fear but the spirit of courage to stay focused in developing our country,” he said in a statement.

“The President also appeals to all concerned to remember to love one another and desist from taking the law in their hands whenever they are dealing with a suspect. Keep calm as the Government works to get to the bottom of the matter,” he added.

Mutharika will visit the towns of Mulanje, Phalombe and Chiradzulu starting Friday.