Kawale Police in Lilongwe District have strongly condemned a violent incident that occurred on December 9 in Area 24, resulting in the destruction of property worth millions of kwacha and leaving several young men in critical condition.
According to Sub Inspector Precious Mabvuto Phiri, Public Relations Officer for Kawale Police Station, the chaos began when a group of young men armed with panga knives launched unprovoked attacks on residents. Three individuals, including a 10-year-old boy, sustained serious injuries and were rushed to Kamuzu Central Hospital in critical condition.
The following day, enraged community members retaliated by targeting Nelson Kumchima, the alleged leader of the attackers. In the ensuing violence, the mob set fire to two vehicles, a house, two motorcycles, and various household items.
Police arrived at the scene to restore order, but the mob had already dispersed by the time officers arrived.
“We have launched investigations to determine the cause of these events and to bring those responsible to justice,” Sub Inspector Phiri stated, calling for public cooperation in the ongoing inquiry.
Kawale Police have urged residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands as the investigation progresses.