The court in Neno has found Christopher Manyika guilty and sentenced him to six months in prison. Manyika was caught red-handed at night carrying coffins believed to be connected to wealth rituals.
Manyika was arrested last week after police received a tip-off about him and his accomplice, Henry Kapakasa, transporting coffins from their residence to Chifenthe village ground around midnight.
According to S/Supt. Blessings Chikwatu, Station Officer for Neno Police Station, the suspects were caught in the act of carrying the coffins. Upon noticing the police, the men attempted to flee, dropping the coffins. Manyika was apprehended, while Kapakasa managed to escape.
“Upon being interviewed, Manyika revealed that they were working under the supervision of a herbalist who claimed that the coffins would turn into vehicles,” Chikwatu reported.
The presiding judge, Margret Khobili, sentenced Manyika to six months in jail but decided to suspend the sentence. Instead of serving jail time, Manyika will be required to stay out of trouble for two years.
Manyika acknowledged committing disruptive acts that caused confusion at the site and apologized to Malawians and the court.
Meanwhile, the government has confiscated the coffins and plans to destroy them.
