Malawi Freedom Network

By Suleiman Chitera

Ganizani Waya, a resident of Kumwamba Village under Senior Chief Mabuka in Mulanje district, has reportedly been killed by security guards from Chitakale Tea Estate. Police spokesperson for Mulanje, Innocent Moses, confirmed that Waya was killed this morning after security personnel allegedly found him and others logging trees in a protected forest belonging to the company.

Following the incident, Times 360 visited the area and witnessed an escalation in tensions, with locals setting ablaze homes of some Chitakale Tea Estate workers and looting property. Outraged by Waya’s death, residents blocked the Chitakale-Phalombe and Limbe-Chitakale-Limbuli roads, disrupting transport routes.

Police are currently investigating the circumstances around Waya’s death, as community members demand justice and accountability from the company and authorities. The incident has heightened existing tensions between the community and Chitakale Tea Estate, with locals expressing concerns about the handling of forest resources and security measures within the area.