Missing woman found ‘in distress’ at businessman’s home — Balaka explodes

Chaos erupted in Balaka after an enraged mob torched and destroyed property worth millions, targeting a local businessman they accused of detaining a woman against her will.

Witnesses say the crowd descended on the trading premises with fury, smashing structures and setting vehicles ablaze as rumours spread that the missing woman had been found inside the compound in a weakened state.

According to eyewitness Francis Banda, the woman — a vegetable seller who vanished the previous Wednesday — was discovered at the businessman’s house “very weak and unable to speak properly,” a revelation that sent tempers soaring.

Banda said the destruction was extensive, with entire shop structures flattened and four vehicles belonging to the owner reduced to charred shells.

Police spokesperson Gladson M’bumpha confirmed the incident, saying officers were forced to fire tear gas to disperse the violent crowd.

He added that police have launched a full investigation into both the alleged detention and the mob‑driven destruction, warning that more arrests are likely as authorities work to establish what truly happened.

The dramatic scenes have left Balaka residents shaken, with many calling for swift justice — both for the woman and for those who took the law into their own hands.