Police in Dowa are keeping in custody a 46-year-old man for allegedly murdering his friend over beer.

The suspect has been identified as Josephy Phinifolo (51) while the victim is Mbirintengerenji Shuku.

According to the Deputy Publicist for Mponela police station Sergeant Macpatson Msadala, on 11 May this year the suspect went for a drinking spree with his friend named Mbirintengerenji Shuku.

Msadala said while the two were drinking, they started quarreling over beer which resulted into a fight.

Then suspect hit Shuku on the head with a fist and he fell down unconscious.

Later, Shuku was taken to Mtengowathenga Mission Hospital for treatment where he died upon arrival.

Police visited the scene of crime accompanied by a medical officer who singled out head injuries as a cause of Shuku’s death.

The suspect was apprehended and will appear before court soon to answer a charge of murder which contravenes section 209 of the Penal Code.