Balaka District Council has condemned acts of violence and destruction of property that occurred in Mponda Area on 11 August 2026 following allegations of a missing woman.
According to a statement signed by Balaka District Council. The District Commissioner Bibu Yusufu Mdala, said some members of the public damaged property belonging to a businessman allegedly linked to the disappearance and later confronted law-enforcement officers during the disturbances.
The Council said while the disappearance of the woman is a serious matter that requires thorough investigation. “Violence and mob justice cannot be used as a means of seeking answers.”
“While the disappearance is a serious matter that must be investigated, the council strongly condemns the violence, destruction of property and acts of mob justice as allegations and suspicion cannot justify violence and is neither proof of guilt,” said Bibu.
Mdala said the Council is particularly concerned about the involvement of children in the disturbances, including incidents where children were seen throwing stones at police vehicles.
He appealed to parents, guardians and community leaders to protect children from violence and ensure they are taught to resolve grievances peacefully instead of engaging in destructive acts.
The Council has called on all residents to remain calm, refrain from violence, avoid spreading unverified information, and cooperate with the police and other authorities as investigations continue.
“Today it may be someone else’s property, tomorrow it could be yours. Let us protect life and property, maintain peace. Justice must prevail, but it must be pursued through the law, not through mob justice,” Mdala stressed.
