Police in Mangochi have arrested a 52-year-old Sienta vehicle driver, Godi Kanjira, also known as Savimbi, for allegedly obstructing, insulting, and assaulting immigration officers and also maliciously damaging government property.
According to Mangochi Police Station Public Relations Officer Amina Tepani Daudi, the incident occurred on the afternoon of 2 July 2025, near Namitunda Estate along the Bakili Muluzi Highway, where a team of six immigration officers from Chiponde Border Post had mounted an ad-hoc roadblock.
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Daudi said that while the officers were carrying out their duties at the said checkpoint, the suspect approached at high speed and deliberately knocked down four reflective cones before fleeing the scene.
The officers pursued him and caught up with him at Sailesi Trading Centre.
“Upon arrival, the suspect allegedly mobilized villagers and incited a violent commotion. Armed with a catapult, he pelted stones at the officers, injuring one officer on the left cheek. The injured officer was treated as an outpatient at Chiponde Health Centre.
“As the situation escalated, the suspect reportedly stormed into a nearby butchery, grabbed a machete, and threatened to hack the officers before fleeing again,” the Police publicist said.
Daudi added that the matter was reported to the police, and following intensive investigations, Savimbi was apprehended the following day at the Chiponde Bus Depot in Mangochi Township.
“Police records indicate that this is not the first time the suspect has interfered with law enforcement officers while they were on duty,” she added.
Kanjira is expected to appear in court to answer charges of malicious damage, obstructing a public officer while on duty, unlawful wounding, and contravening road traffic regulations including reckless driving and overspeeding upon completion of the necessary paperwork.
