Kawale Police arrest two over mob killing, warn against taking law into own hands

Police in Kawale are keeping in custody two brothers for allegedly murdering of an unidentified suspected thief in Area 23 during the early hours of Tuesday, October 15, 2025.

Kawale Police Public Relations Officer, Sub Inspector Mabvuto Precious Phiri has told Nthanda Times that the two brothers, Owen (34) and Maxwell Lameck (26) are suspected to have participated in the fatal assault.

protected by reCAPTCHA

RECOMMENDED STORIES

MDF Officer murder suspect arrested in Dowa

Woman arrested over theft involving 10-year-old son

Police arrest witch doctor for sexual abuse

According to Phiri, the suspects assaulted the suspected thief, leaving him in unconscious state along a road where he was spotted by a Kabaza (motorcycle taxi) rider and alerted Area 23 Police, who took him to Kamuzu Central Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

“It is on record that during the night of October 14- 15, 2025 Mrs. Joyce Owen was visited by uninvited guest who wanted to steal from the house. Fortunately, she was awakened by strange noise and shouted for help which alerted the brothers to chase this strange man. Following this brutal murder, the police have arrested two brothers for allegedly being involved in the assault of the criminal suspect who is yet to be identified,” said Phiri.

Detectives later tracked and arrested the two suspects at their homes.

Phiri reiterated the police’s firm stance against mob justice, emphasizing that suspects should always be handed over to law enforcement authorities.

“We urge the public to work with the police when apprehending suspects instead of resorting to violence. No one has the right to take another person’s life,” he said.

Police are appealing for help in identifying the deceased for proper burial while investigations continue to trace others involved.

The two suspects, both from Chibade Village, Traditional Authority Chikowi in Zomba District, are expected to appear in court soon to answer murder charges.