Police in Dowa have arrested Gerald Matamula from Msungwi Village under Senior Chief Msakambewa for allegedly beating his son to death after accusing him of stealing Kamba snacks from his shop.

According to Dowa Police spokesperson Alice Sitima, the incident occurred on Tuesday, February 25, when the child entered his father’s shop and took shrimp without permission. This angered Matamula, who allegedly severely beat the child until he collapsed.

Well-wishers rushed the boy to Dowa District Hospital, but he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Matamula is currently in police custody and is expected to face murder charges.