Malawi Woman Arrested for Murder of Four Children During Religious Healing Ceremony

By Shadrack Nyakoe

Police in Kasungu have apprehended a 40-year-old woman for allegedly murdering four children during a supposed religious healing ceremony.

Ireen Banda, from Chinkhombwe village in Traditional Authority Chakhaza, Dowa district, was taken into custody on July 22, 2024, according to Kasungu police spokesperson Inspector Harry Kachikho.

The victims, aged between 16 months and 8 years, were identified as Richard Nkhata (8), Samson Nkhata (4), Kelvin Banda, and Funny Banda (16 months).

“The parents brought their children, who were suffering from sickle cell anemia and Down syndrome, seeking divine intervention from a 4-year-old girl believed to have healing powers,” Kachikho explained. “The young girl, who is the suspect’s daughter, instructed her mother to whip the children to expel demons.”

The incident occurred after her four-year-old daughter, a self-proclaimed prophet believed to perform healing miracles, ordered her to carry out the act, allegedly to cure the deceased, who were suffering from sickle cell anaemia and Down syndrome

Banda allegedly inflicted severe beatings on the children, leading to their deaths. Postmortem examinations revealed causes of death including severe head injuries with skull fractures, severe blood loss, and ruptured blood vessels.

The suspect remains in police custody and is expected to appear in court soon.