Angry villagers from Chilembwe and Katema, both under T/A Mponda in Mangochi on Monday vandalized Katema Police Unit and destroyed three staff houses including other houses and property.

During the violent unrest, the villagers also smashed the windscreen of a Toyota Land Cruiser (MP 2534) belonging to Mangochi Police Station as they attempted to seize a murder suspect.

Mangochi Police spokesperson Amina Tepani Daudi confirmed the incident, revealing that the attackers also stole K2.4 million from the officer-in-charge’s office.

According to Daudi, the chaos was sparked by rumors following the brutal murder of Sinoya Damiani, a well-known motorcycle operator, on March 14, 2025, at Kapako River in Belo Village, T/A Mponda in the district.

“Damiani had taken two passengers from Mangochi to Katema, but upon arrival at Kapako River, the passengers stabbed him in an apparent robbery attempt,” said Daudi.

“Hearing his screams, nearby villagers rushed to the scene and found him critically wounded. They took him to the hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment,” added the police publicist.

Following speculation that the suspects had been arrested and were being held at Katema Police Unit, an enraged mob stormed the facility, causing extensive destruction.

For safety reasons, Daudi said all officers have been withdrawn from Katema Police Unit as their houses and property were destroyed in the violence.

Meanwhile, the National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) programme officer Joseph Chamambala has condemned the act, saying what the people has done is outrageous.

Angry Villagers Vandalize Katema Police Unit in Mangochi Over Murder Suspect Rumors