Police in Mulanje are investigating an incident in which unknown individuals exhumed the grave of Mercy Stafford, 38, who passed away in 2023.

Mulanje Police spokesperson Innocent Moses confirmed the incident, stating it occurred in Maero Village under Traditional Authority Mabuka.

“We received a report yesterday from a local farmer whose field is near the graveyard. The farmer was heading to his field when he noticed the grave had been tampered with. Upon closer inspection, it was clear the grave of Mercy Stafford had been dug up,” said Moses.

The farmer immediately reported the matter to Misanjo Police Unit, prompting officers to visit the scene.

Preliminary investigations suggest the act was intentional, though authorities noted Mercy Stafford was not buried with valuables, ruling out theft as the motive.

Police are continuing their inquiries and have appealed to the community for information to help identify the perpetrators.