By Burnett Munthali
The police in the Eastern Region are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of 33-year-old Samalani Wariwa, who tragically passed away during a police operation in Mozambique yesterday. According to Patrick Mussa, the regional police spokesperson, the deceased, a resident of Chakame village in Traditional Authority Mchinguza, was involved in an alleged criminal case of arson before he was apprehended by Mozambican authorities.
Mussa reported that after Wariwa was arrested in Mozambique, he was sent back to the country to face charges. However, tragically, he died while in custody during an operation by Mozambican police forces. The incident has sparked outrage in the local community.
Upon receiving the news of Wariwa’s death, residents of Chakame village stormed the Nayuchi Police Station, where the suspect was initially detained before being transferred. The protestors damaged police property, including two police vehicles, one motorcycle, three motorbikes, and several bicycles. They voiced their anger over the loss of life and the handling of the case.
In response to the disturbances, Mussa confirmed that law enforcement quickly mobilized and managed to regain control of the situation. Additional reports from local authorities stated that they received information about the unrest in the evening, prompting a swift intervention to calm the situation.
The police investigation continues as they work to determine the exact cause of Wariwa’s death and whether any foul play was involved during his detention and subsequent transport back to Malawi.
This incident adds to the ongoing tension between Malawi and Mozambique regarding cross-border crime, as authorities in both countries continue to address issues such as illegal activities, smuggling, and criminal acts involving their citizens. The investigation into Wariwa’s death is expected to bring further clarity to the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
The local community is awaiting answers, while the police in the region have promised to provide updates as more information becomes available.
