Father throws son into a river in Mzuzu

A 22 year-old man has been charged with murder after throwing his son into a river in Mzuzu.

The dead body of the one year-old child was found floating in Mchengautuwa River in the morning hours of Monday, 20th June.

Martin Bwanali, Public Relations Officer for Mzuzu police said police took the body to Mzuzu Central Hospital where a post-mortem indicated that death was due to Asphyxia following drowning.

Police said the man, Anthony John who is a Kabaza operator, went to his home on the night of 19th and 20th July around midnight while drunk.

He started assaulting his wife and his 3 year-old stepson without apparent reason.

His wife then sought a refuge at their landlord’s house. The same night, the suspect took his biological son, John Anthony (now deceased) and went out.

He was heard saying he would sleep at his elder brother’s just within Chibavi location in the city.

He did not return but the child was found floating in Mchengautuba River.

Meanwhile, the suspect has been arrested and will answer murder charge contrary to section 209 of the Penal Code.