POLICE IN CHITIPA WARN MOTORCYCLE OPERATORS AGAINST DOING BUSINESS DURING ODD HOURS

Police in Chitipa have warned motorcycle operators from doing their business during odd hours following the horrific murder incident that occurred on 4 May 2022 where an angry mob killed a man who was allegedly accused of stealing a motorcycle worth 1, 200 000 Kwacha and before stubbing the motorcycle owner.

On the material date and time, the rider Medson Mnkhondya 18, of Chalaghala village in the Area of Traditional Authority Nthalire in Chitipa district was hired by an unidentified man who was going to Rumphi district through Nyika national park 8:00pm.

Upon arrival at Chilinde turn off, the suspect (now deceased) stopped the rider and in the process stabbed him (the rider) on the stomach before vanishing with the motor cycle.

Some people who were passing by found the rider in pains and took him to Nthalire health center and informed police about the incident.

According to the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer in Chitipa Rabson Mkandawire the victim has further been referred to Mzuzu Central Hospital for treatment while Police in the district in conjunction with counterparts from Rumphi and game rangers teamed up and arrested the suspect.
“While on the way to Nthalire police, members of the community ambushed the law enforcers and took the suspect away and the same mob went to Nthalire police Unit and damaged police offices and houses whose value is not yet established.” Mkandawire said.

Mkandawire further said on 5 May, 2022, the suspect was found torched and dead and the Postmortem examination conducted by health personnel from Chitipa district hospital revealed that the death was due to bleeding and the remains of the unknown suspect are being kept at Chitipa district hospital mortuary pending identification by relatives.

Whilst the investigations are underway to arrest his assailants and those who attacked the police, police in the district are appealing to all motorcycle operators from doing their businesses during odd hours to prevent such incidents from repeating themselves.

Police further warn people in the district to avoid engaging in mob justice and whoever is found perpetrating the vice will be swiftly brought to justice.

By Trifornia Mtawali