Police in Lilongwe have launched a manhunt for a man identified as Nimiladi Chinjani, who is suspected of stabbing to death Jabesi Hendreson, 23, in Nathenje on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at around 19:00 hours.
Preliminary investigations indicate that on the day of the incident, the suspect and the deceased, together with other people, were chatting at a shop in Pitros Village when, for reasons not yet established, a fierce fight broke out between the two. Members of the public intervened and separated them.
According to Lilongwe Police Station Public Relations Officer Inspector Hastings Chigalu,the suspect allegedly went to his home, armed himself with a knife, returned to the scene, and stabbed Hendreson in the chest before fleeing. The victim collapsed and lost consciousness while bleeding heavily.
Chigalu added that Hendreson was rushed to Nkhoma Mission Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The deceased’s body is currently at the same facility awaiting a postmortem examination.
“Following news of the death, angry villagers reportedly invaded the suspect’s compound and set seven houses on fire. Assorted household property whose value is not yet established was also destroyed in the blaze.”,He explained
Meanwhile,Police have launched investigations into the torching of the houses and the destruction of property belonging to the suspect’s relatives.
The suspect hails from Pitros Village, while the deceased hailed from Nyangayabira Village, both in Traditional Authority Mazengera in Lilongwe District.
“We strongly condemn the acts of mob justice demonstrated by the villagers. Taking the law into your own hands is a criminal offence,” He emphasized.
Authorities say efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for the arson.
The law enforcers have appealed to members of the public with information on Chinjani’s whereabouts to report to the nearest police station to assist with investigations.
