Vampires in the media
In the latest attempt to stamp out vampire rumours in Malawi, a radio
journalist was arrested today for interviewing a man who said he had been
attacked by vampires.
Vampires in the media.
January 21 2003
In the latest attempt by Malawian officials to stamp out vampire rumours, a
radio journalist was arrested today for interviewing a man who said he had
been attacked by vampires, police said.
Maganizo Mazeze, who works for a community radio station in Blantyre, was
charged with broadcasting false news that could lead to public unrest,
police officials said.
Stories of vampires attacking villagers at night and sucking their blood
began circulating in Malawi in recent months.
The government has been campaigning to quell the vampire rumours, saying
opposition elements were using the rumours to discredit the ruling party.
Mazeze interviewed a man from the southern tea-growing district of Thyolo
who claimed to have been attacked by vampires.
President Bakili Muluzi has ordered the arrest of anyone seen to be
spreading the vampire stories.
"As police we are saying there is no evidence that we have blood suckers in
this country," said police investigator Paul Chifisi. "No one has come
forward with evidence, be it medical, physical or otherwise."
- AP
http://theage.com.au/articles/2003/01/21/1042911365822.html