Police in Mzimba have launched a manhunt for unknown people who are alleged to have stabbed to death an officer working with Mzimba district forestry office in the morning hours of Monday.

The deceased has been identified as Louis Mnyenyembe whose body was found with stabbed wounds at Kaphuta bypass bridge just after Chimkusa location near the boma.

Mzimba Police officer in Charge Sydon Mpina confirmed the incident but said details of the incident are still sketchy as officers are on the ground gathering information.

Meanwhile Mzimba district forestry officer Masozi Shaba has described the murder of Mnyenyembe as a big blow to the department saying he was young and hard worker.

Shaba could not confirm reports that Mnyenyembe was stabbed as he was trying to confiscate bags of charcoal from illegal producers saying they are treating such reports as rumours until they hear from the police.