A female Police officer has been hospitalized after nearly being killed by thugs during patrols on Monday night.

The officer, Elida Kusakala was on patrol at World Vision international offices in the district when she was attacked.

Kusakala was apparently doing rounds in front while two of her colleagues were at the back of the building when she confronted the thugs.

The thugs are reported to have also hit CARD offices, tying up a guard but no actual robbery took place.

It is not yet known if the thugs had intent to steal at WVI or not.

The thugs, whose number is not known, fought with the officer, leaving her with severe head wounds which were treated at the district hospital.

Malawi News Agency (Mana) understands Kusakala was badly injured from repetitive hitting on the head by a 2 inch radius metal.

Three shots rang out in the midst of the confrontation, according to what people who live around the area where the incident took place have said.
It has been established that the thugs also went away with the officer’s gun.

James Kadedzera, Southern Region Police Public Relations officer, confirmed the development to Mana but could not divulge any information saying it will jeopardize the investigations.

He said officers from the Criminal Investigation Department are on the ground to find out exactly what happened and find the culprits.

“We have CID personnel on the ground, so I can not divulge any information regarding the incident.

“Only after we receive a report from thorough investigation will we tell the media details of the uncident,” Kadedzera said.

A recent report on crime in the district by the police indicates crime has risen by 28.2 percent.

The police have been doing sensitization meetings and revamping area policing committees among other strategies to curb crime.