In a surprise turn of events, two suspects, who were wanted by Lingadzi Police Station for a recent murder case in Kauma Township in Lilongwe have voluntarily surrendered to police, citing fear for their own lives after growing tension from the deceased family.
According Lingadzi Police Station Publicist Sergeant Cassim Manda, the suspects, identified as John Gidala, 34, from Lipalama village in the area of Traditional Authority Chimutu and 42-year-old Mavuto Jonasi, who hails from Nkhuthe village Traditional Authority Chitukula, both from Lilongwe district, turned themselves in at the station Tuesday evening.
Manda said that the duo had been on the run for several days and had become increasingly paranoid about their safety.
Fearing reprisals from deceased family members, both men decided to surrender to the authorities in exchange for protection.
The two are being questioned in connection with the murder of 27-year-old Madalitso Magwaya whose body was found in deep water with both legs and hands tied.
It is further alleged that the suspects, together with others who are still at large, hacked the suspect before throwing him in the river, whole and alive.
An initial investigation has further established that the first suspect offered his bicycle to transport the victim to an unknown destination.
Their surrender would lead to a swift resolution of the case and justice for the victim’s family, as they will be taken to court soon to answer the case of murder, contrary to Section 209 of the penal code, which attracts the maximum sentence of death penalty.
