A Malawi police officer has died after the vehicle he was traveling in overturned and caught fire at Mfulanjovu along the M1 road.

Ntcheu Police Publicist Sub-Inspector Hastings Chigalu confirmed of the incident and identified the deceased as Assistant Superintendent Michael Kataya, 51 of Dedza police.

According to Sub-Inspector Chigalu, a Toyota Sprinter Saloon with registration number BQ 69 was coming from the direction of Blantyre heading towards Balaka while carrying four passengers.

“Upon arrival at Mfulanjovu, the driver of the vehicle Mr Khefas Katete was overtaking unknown vehicle. To avoid head on collision, he swerved to the near side lane where he ended up overturning once to the far nearside dirty verge and caught fire”, said Chigalu

The deceased suffered multiple fractures and he died on the spot while other two passengers identified as Elias Nguluwe and Victor Jabulani Banda sustained serious injuries and they have been admitted at Zomba Central Hospital.

The driver, Mr Katete escaped with minor injuries but the vehicle got extensively damaged with fire.

The deceased hailed from Chilomo village in the area of traditional authority Chimaliro in Thyolo.