Police have arrested Timothy Mulewa, 45, who is suspected to have hacked Batson Champion, 32, to death with a Panga knife at a drinking joint in Mangochi.

The incident happened on December 5, 2021 at Kanyenga Village, Traditional Authority Nankumba in Mangochi.

According to Mangochi Police Public relations officer Amina Tepani Daudi, Champion (now deceased) was coming from some errands with his Panga knife and joined the suspect and other villagers whom he found drinking local beer(Kachasu) within the village.

For unknown reasons, it is alleged that the suspect snatched Champion’s panga knife and a wrangle erupted between them after Champion demanded to have his panga knife back a thing which annoyed the suspect.

Instead, the suspect hacked the fellow on the right hand with the same panga knife and was rushed to Koche Health Centre where death was pronounced upon arrival due to severe loss of blood.

Daudi said the suspect was apprehended by members of the community who handed him over to police.

Meanwhile, Mulewa has been charged with murder which contravenes section 209 of the Penal Code. He will appear before court soon.

Timothy Mulewa hails from Mpaniha Village, Traditional Authority Nkhumba in Phalombe.