A 47-year-old man, identified as Jailosi Paul from Thawale Village under Traditional Authority Maganga in Salima District, is currently fighting for his life at Mangochi District Hospital after repeatedly hacking himself in the head with a brick trowel.

The incident occurred on 18 October 2024, in Sabiri Village, Mangochi District, following a domestic argument.

Spokesperson for Mangochi Police, Amina Tepani Daudi has confirmed the development and said the altercation arose when Paul’s wife refused to allow him to sell green maize from their irrigation garden.

Paul had intended to use the money from the sale for transportation to visit his home village, but his wife opposed the plan. In a fit of anger, Paul reportedly burned his wife’s clothes and threatened to take his own life.

The situation escalated while the couple was having lunch, when Paul, a skilled builder, suddenly stopped eating, grabbed his brick trowel, and began striking himself in the head.

“His wife’s cries for help attracted neighbors and members of the Community Policing Forum, who rushed him to Namwera Police Station. Even while at the station, Paul continued to injure himself by hitting his head against a wall, causing severe bleeding”, said Daudi.

Paul was initially taken to Namwera Health Centre before being referred to Mangochi District Hospital, where he is receiving treatment for deep wounds to his head. Medical personnel are closely monitoring his condition.

Once he recovers, Paul is expected to face charges of attempted suicide and  police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.