Reported by Suleman Chitera, Lilongwe Malawi
Lilongwe, July 10, 2025 — A wave of brutal killings in Area 25, Lilongwe, has sparked widespread fear and disrupted the lives and businesses of residents, with many now calling for stronger community protection and more decisive police action.
Since May, six people have been murdered in the area, with the latest case occurring just this Tuesday in Area 25C, where locals woke up to the horrific sight of a body bearing deep head wounds, believed to have been inflicted by a panga knife.
The killing has intensified anxiety among residents, many of whom say they no longer feel safe walking the streets after sunset. Tearful and angry, community members say efforts to curb the violence are proving ineffective.
In response, Kanengo Police and neighborhood watch groups have intensified patrols, arresting individuals found loitering after 8 PM. While the move is intended to boost security, it has had unintended consequences for local businesses.
Temwa Banda, who owns a salon in Sector 8 Market, says the fear of crime has cost her both income and peace of mind.
“Before, I used to close around 9 PM. That’s when most customers come in after work. But now I shut down by 6 PM, and even then I feel uneasy. I’ve had to turn away customers,” she lamented.
Peter Sayikonde, a factory worker in Kanengo, echoed the sentiment, saying, “My colleagues and I used to walk home to Sector 7 at night to save money. But with the current situation, we have no choice but to spend on transport, which is hurting our finances.”
Despite public criticism, Kanengo Police Public Relations Officer Gresham Ngwira defended the patrols and cautioned against the spread of unverified information on social media.
“Patrols have never stopped. We urge people to avoid jumping to conclusions whenever a body is discovered. Investigations are ongoing and aimed at ensuring community safety,” said Ngwira.
Meanwhile, local leaders are seeking additional support to protect residents. Area 25 neighborhood chairman Henry Madzimayera revealed plans to partner with companies to provide equipment like pepper spray and panga knives to neighborhood watch teams—alongside essential training.
“You can’t just hand someone a weapon and expect them to defend the community. We want our officers trained so they know how to handle dangerous situations without becoming victims themselves,” Madzimayera said.
Churches and political groups have also been roped in to raise awareness and encourage vigilance. The community is being urged to report suspicious activities and move in groups whenever possible.
As the murders continue to send shockwaves through Area 25, residents are calling on both authorities and fellow citizens to unite in confronting the crisis. The need for lasting and coordinated action has never been more urgent.
