Man killed in Mzimba petrol fire

Malawi: A 38-year-old man, Robert Wiseman, died unexpectedly on Friday afternoon as a result of fire burns while attempting to transport jerry cans of petrol to the market in Euthini, Mzimba.

According to Mzimba Police spokesperson Sub-Inspector Peter Botha, Wiseman was a servant to businessman James Mtonga, who allegedly sold fuel from his home.

Wiseman (now deceased) was transporting fuel to the market, and the petrol fell on the charcoal burner, causing Matonga’s house to catch fire.

Wiseman was unable to flee and died on the spot.

The incident was reported to the police, who responded to the scene with medical personnel.

The death was caused by severe burns, according to postmortem results.

An investigation is being conducted to apprehend the house's owner, Mtonga, who is currently on the run.

Mtonga will face charges of illegal business operations.

Meanwhile, police advise district business owners to refrain from engaging in illegal activities such as fuel sales to avoid such mishaps.