Police in Dedza are looking for a 38-year-old man identified as Moses Yohane Hakileni for allegedly killing his friend after being accused of having a love affair with the deceased’s ex-wife.

According to Dedza Police Public Relations Officer, Sub Inspector Edward Kabango, the deceased, Laurent Chikutika, 47, divorced his wife in March this year (2018) after he suspected her of having a love affair with the suspect.

“After the divorce, the suspect heard that the deceased was spreading rumours that his action of divorcing his wife was as a result of the suspect’s relationship with his wife and this angered the suspect who vowed to deal with the deceased as the rumour was tarnishing his image and was bringing confusion in his family,” Kabango said.

“On 18th May, 2018, the deceased was coming from his garden but when he met the suspect, fight broke out. The suspect produced a panga knife and hacked the deceased several times on the head,” he added.

The Police said Chikutika was rushed to Dedza District Hospital where he died upon arrival due to severe loss of blood.

The deceased hailed from Chilasamungo Village while the suspect hails from Kapesi Village, both from Traditional Authority Kasumbu in Dedza.