Malawi Police shoot to kill suspect in Kasungu:  Mob justice for 2 in Ndirande

Malawi Police has confirmed that officers fatally shot a robbery suspect  in tobacco growing district of Kasungu while two suspects have been killed by a mob in squatter township of Ndirande in the commercial capital Blantyre.

Kasungu police Public Relations Officer Edna Mzingwitsa said police shot dead a 21 year-old Yusufu Issa and managed to arret his accomplice Gift Phiri.

Police said the duo were part of a gang behind several robberies in the district.

According to the publicist, Kasungu police recently registered some cases where robbers gained entry into some buildings and run away with assorted items.

“As the hunting of these wanted criminals was in progress, on May 17 two criminals were cornered and arrested after being caught red-handed cutting the roof of Mbamboyo shop which also accommodates an Airtel shop,” she  said

She said during the night, some officers were guarding at Opportunity International Bank and Nyika Bakery.

Later, officers at OIBM noticed that some men were at the top of a building. The police officers called their fellow officers at Nyika Bakery and surrounded the building.

“The four police officers managed to apprehend Gift Phiri but when they wanted to apprehend Yusufu Issa he started running away. The police fired in the air but the suspect didn’t stop,” she added.

After realizing that Issa did not want to stop, the police shot the suspect on the leg and he was taken to Kasungu district Hospital where he later died.

Issa hailed from Chibwanasamala village in the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Kalembo in Balaka district while Gift Phiri, 21, comes from Chingale village T/A Mlumbe in Zomba District.

Vigilante justice

In Blantyre, police confirmed two suspects were killed by the mob in Ndirande township.

Elizabethe Divala, police spokesperson for Blantyre, said one suspected was killed after he allegedly attempted to break into a house.

The other reportedly wanted to steal sugarcane.

Divala said the people caught a suspected attempting to steal a car batter at Ndirande Newline – ‘Ma Flats’.

Police could not independently verify his identity.

The other suspect is Mphatso Sinedala who was suepcted to steal sugarcane at Goliyo same Ndirande.

Meanwhile, Police have warned people who take the law into their own hands saying the law shall take its course to anyone found doing do.

“People should not take the law into their hands by executing mob justice on suspects. If suspects are captured, they should always be handled over to police for proper course of action rather than killing them on the spot.

“Mob Justice is not the best solution to address crime issues in the country. This is against the law and everybody should adhere to this by reporting to police,” said Divala.

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