Two men arrested for killing boy, selling his head in Chikwawa

Malawi: Chikwawa police have arrested two men, Ekison Bima, 20, and Jestadi Tipa, 33, for allegedly killing and selling the head of an 8-year-old boy, Marko Chagaga, from Masanduko Village Traditional Authority Ngabu in Chikwawa.

According to Sergeant Dickson Matemba, Public Relations Officer for Chikwawa Police Station, the suspects committed the crime on November 26, 2022, when they persuaded the boy to accompany them to a specific bush to fetch firewood, where they allegedly killed him and buried his body without a head.

Rumours spread throughout the village, and well-wishers tipped Chiromo Police, who immediately set up a roadblock at Sorgin, leading to Bima's arrest. When questioned, Bima mentioned his accomplices Tipa and another person who is still at large.

The pair has been charged with murder and will appear in court soon to answer the charge after all investigations are completed, and a manhunt is underway to apprehend the third suspect who is on the run.

The deceased's body was exhumed and identified by the deceased's relatives. Meanwhile, police in the district are advising parents to advise their children to avoid accompanying strangers.