Police in Namalaka, Mangochi, have arrested a 22-year-old fisherman, Mofolo Yohane, for hacking the head of a 13-year-old boy, Bashir Haji, with the intention to kill and use him for ritual purposes.
It is alleged that the victim and three friends, aged 11 and 10, went to graze goats in a nearby bush within Chiponda village under Traditional Authority Namabvi in the district on the afternoon of August 22, 2024.
Suddenly, the suspect emerged from the other side of the bush with a sharp panga knife in his hands and started chasing the minors. The victim stayed behind to protect the younger ones and was captured.
The suspect hacked the minor several times in the head while his friends ran away, shouting for help.
He dragged the victim a few meters from the scene, covered him with leaves with the intention to return later, and then fled. However, the other three informed the villagers, who rushed to the place and found the boy unconscious in a pool of blood. They took him to Namalaka Health Centre before he was referred to Mangochi District Hospital, where he is still receiving treatment for sustaining severe head injuries.
Police launched a manhunt and later arrested the suspect on August 26, after he was found hiding in Ngapani.
Upon interrogation, the suspect revealed that he was instructed by a herbalist to bring the eyelashes and bathing water of a dead person to boost his business. Unable to find a dead body, he decided to kill the innocent boy.
Meanwhile, Yohane has been charged with attempted murder contrary to section 223 of the Penal Code. He will appear in court after the completion of the paperwork.
Yohane comes from William village, Traditional Authority Nankumba in Mangochi.
lnspector Amina Tepani Daudi
Public Relations Officer
Mangochi Police Station
Cell:0999-706-525
Email:amina.tepani@police.gov.mw
Website:www.police.gov.mw