A 28-year-old charcoal seller identified as Yamikani Kawala, has drowned in Lilongwe River near Dzalanyama Forest Reserve after he jumped into the waters while running away from the forest’ security officers on January 31, 2025.
Deputy spokesperson for Lilongwe Police Khumbo Sanyiwa has confirmed the developement and the incident occurred at Wilson Village in Traditional Authority Masula, Lilongwe, at around 16:00 hours.
On this day, Kawala (deceased) who used to go into Dzalanyama Forest Reserve for charcoal business, purchased two bags and carried them on his bicycle going home.
Soon after crossing the river while on his bicycle at Wilson Village, he bumped on security personnel guarding the said forest.
Upon seeing them, Kawala dumped his bicycle, and jumped into the river aiming at swimming across to the other side.
Unfortunately, he did not make it to the other side, he drowned. His body was found floating on the following day.
Postmortem done by Mitundu Rural Community Hospital, revealed that death was due to suffocation.
Yamikani Kawala hailed from Chongo Village, Traditional Authority
