By Burnett Munthali
Unknown assailants on Thursday night burned to death Thom Gambuleni Chilungamo, a 24-year-old man who had recently been released from Sorgin Prison in Nsanje District.
According to Sub Inspector Agnes Zalakoma, Nsanje Police Public Relations Officer, Chilungamo’s lifeless body was discovered in Semba Village under Traditional Authority Mbenje.
“Reports indicate that Chilungamo had been linked to several house break-ins and thefts in the area. He had just completed serving a sentence for a similar offense,” said Sub Inspector Zalakoma.
A postmortem conducted at Sorgin Hospital revealed that Chilungamo sustained severe head injuries and significant blood loss before succumbing to the attack. His injuries indicate a violent assault before he was burned.
Police have launched an investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killing. Sub Inspector Zalakoma confirmed that the suspects remain at large, and police are urging community members to provide any information that could assist in the investigation.
The incident has sparked mixed reactions among residents. While some expressed relief over what they described as the end of a “troublesome individual,” others condemned the act of mob justice, calling for the rule of law to prevail.
Traditional leaders and law enforcement have repeatedly urged communities to report criminal activities to the authorities instead of taking matters into their own hands.
The tragic death of Thom Gambuleni Chilungamo highlights the dangers of vigilante justice and the pressing need for community cooperation with law enforcement. As investigations continue, it remains crucial for society to uphold the principles of justice and due process to prevent further incidents of this nature.
