The High Court in Lilongwe has convicted police officer David Chitsike of manslaughter in connection with the 2022 shooting death of Chikondi Makawa, a 36-year-old gym trainer.

Makawa was shot at a bar in Gateway Mall, Lilongwe, after a dispute over an unpaid bottle of water. The court found that Chitsike used excessive force despite Makawa’s surrender.

Justice Annabel Mtalimanja sided with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), ruling that the officer’s actions were unjustified. Chief Legal Officer for the Independent Complaints Commission (ICC), Nicely Msowoya, described the conviction as a major step toward enforcing professional police conduct.

A separate investigation by the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) had earlier advised Makawa’s family to seek civil compensation for his death.

Following the conviction, Chitsike’s bail was revoked, and the court has requested final written submissions from both sides to guide sentencing.