Police at Mponela in Dowa District, have arrested a 21-year-old sex worker, for allegedly wounding a fellow sex worker during a fight over a customer.

Spokesperson for Mponela police Macpatson Msadala, has confirmed the arrest and identified the suspect as Jamila Kapoli.

According to Msadala, the suspect committed the offence yesterday on 15 September 2024 at during the wee-hours.

Msadala said that both the victim and the suspect are sex workers who operate at Sunrise Bar in Mponela Trading Centre. On the morning of the incident, the victim was approached by a regular customer, sparking jealousy in Kapoli.

“Driven by jealousy, the suspect began mocking her friend, telling her she was unattractive and that the man would never marry her,” Msadala said.

The verbal exchange escalated into a physical altercation, during which Kapoli struck the victim on the left side of her face with an empty beer bottle, causing a deep cut. In the process, a security guard who attempted to intervene was also injured by the same bottle.

Both the victim and the security guard were taken to Mponela Rural Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.

Kapoli is expected to appear in court soon to face charges related to the incident.

Jamila Kapoli hails from Chulu 1 Village under Traditional Authority Mponela, in the District.