Police in Nkhata Bay have arrested 24-year-old Joseph Lembanyanja on suspicion of murdering his 80-year-old father, Holland Lembanyama, following a long-standing financial dispute in Kande area.

Nkhata Bay Police Spokesperson, Macdonald Chipeni, confirmed the incident, stating that the crime occurred on Saturday night. Reports indicate that there had been prolonged tensions between the suspect and his father, a retired teacher, primarily concerning the elderly man’s monthly pension.

“The deceased had just returned from the village bank, and the suspect allegedly knew he had money with him,” Chipeni explained. “He is accused of strangling his father with a rope. After realizing the victim was unresponsive, he reportedly informed his nephew about the incident.”

The deceased, originally from Kasoka Village under Traditional Authority Fukamapiri in Nkhata Bay, was a respected retired teacher. Local leaders had previously intervened in the family’s financial disputes, but the conflicts reportedly persisted.

Police investigations are ongoing, and the suspect remains in custody as authorities prepare for legal proceedings.