Lilongwe Police Station has strongly condemning lawlessness that happened on October 18, 2021 at Mitundu in Lilongwe, where 36 houses were burnt and property stolen by angry villagers from Makwinja following the murder of a motorcycle (kabaza) operator.

On October 15, 2021 the operator identified as Jonathan Kamgula was heavily assaulted by unknown assailants while plying his business at around 1900 hours, and was robbed of his bike.

He was rushed to Mitundu Health Centre for treatment and later referred to Kamuzu Central Hospital where he died on October 17, while receiving medical attention.

The people of Makwinja Village where the bike operator came from suspected an ex-convict identified as Thomas Mashupiko, who was released from Maula Prison last month for the assault that led to the death of Kamgula and robbery of the motorcycle.

On October 18, while Kamgula’s funeral ceremony was taking place at Makwinja village, some angry people left the place and went in search of the suspect at his village, Chikwera.

After failing to locate him, the mob went on rampage, torching 28 houses and other property.

Some people , joined by others from Mitundu Trading Centre, started stealing property such as motorcycles, livestock, and a lot of household items.

They also proceeded to Msanza, Chimpanikiza, and Yoweli villages where they set on fire four, two, and two houses respectively.

Police have managed to recover some property that include two motorcycles.

Police have since intensified their investigations to trace and arrest the perpetrators.