Police in Mangochi have launched a manhunt for an unknown criminal suspected to have killed a motorcycle taxi operator in the district and stole his Rifo motorcycle over the Easter holiday.

Mangochi Police Station Spokesperson, Inspector Rodrick Maida, says the deceased, 25-year-old Seleman Luka, was killed on the night of April 03, 2021, at Liguluche Village in the area of Traditional Authority Chowe.

“It is reported that on the fateful day at M’baluku motorcycle taxi rank, Luka picked up unknown passenger to unknown destination using a dusty road and as they were approaching Liguluche village, the said unknown passenger used a knife to stab Luka on the neck and he died on the spot as he sustained a deep cut wound,” said Maida.

According to Maida, the unknown passenger then stole the motorcycle which was unregistered. He said an autopsy conducted at Mangochi district hospital revealed that death was due to hypovolemic shock.

“Meanwhile, we are advising taxi operators to avoid picking unknown passengers to unknown destinations by using unknown routes,” said Maida.

Luka was from Matewere village in the area of Traditional Authority Kapichi in Thyolo district.