A six-year-old boy is reported dead in Machinga after he accidentally touched a burglar bar which a businessman had connected to electric power for the security of his shop.

The incident happened on Thursday at Nsanama Trading Centre in Machinga.

Machinga police public relations officer, Constable Andrew Mayawo confirmed of the incident and identified the deceased as Haroon Magwira who died on the spot after touching the bar of a shop whose owner is Innocent Petro Maliro.

“The electrocution angered the people at Nsanama Trading Centre who assaulted Maliro such that he was rescued and rushed to Ntaja Police for safety from mob justice.

“In the meantime, he is being kept under police custody and has been being charged with murder contrary to Section 209 of the Penal Code,” said Mayawo.

Mayawo said police are carrying out further investigations into the matter.

The deceased hailed from Mikundi Village, Traditional Authority Mlomba in the district.