Diarrhoea Kills R4pe Suspect in Nkhotakota Prison

A 40-year-old man, Kawelama Zenasi, has died while in custody at Nkhotakota Prison, where he was being held on charges of sexual assault.

Nkhotakota Prison spokesperson Lusungu Mkonda confirmed the incident, stating that Zenasi passed away in his cell due to severe diarrhea.

“After receiving medication, he reported feeling better to his fellow inmates. However, a few hours later, he passed away. Medical authorities at Nkhotakota District Hospital confirmed the cause of death as severe diarrhea,” Mkonda said.

Zenasi had been in custody for less than a week after being remanded by the Salima Magistrate’s Court in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a minor in the district.

Last month, the Nkhotakota Prison officer-in-charge disclosed to that the challenges the facility is facing, including inadequate access to clean water, which poses significant health risks.