Police condemns mob justice, arrest five over killings linked to false claims in Chikwawa, Nsanje

The Malawi Police Service (MPS) has condemned incidents of mob justice in Chikwawa and Nsanje districts that left four people dead and another injured, following false claims about the alleged disappearance of male private parts.

According to a statement issued by the police, the violent incidents occurred on May 8 and 9, 2026, after fabricated and misleading allegations spread in the two districts, triggering fear and unrest among residents.

Police say investigations established that the attacks were fueled by misinformation circulating within communities, which ultimately led to acts of violence.

In response, law enforcement officers launched investigations and arrested five suspects linked to the incidents, including individuals accused of spreading the false allegations and those directly involved in the mob attacks.

Among those arrested are 18-year-old Wisted Frank of Simbi Village, Traditional Authority Masache in Chikwawa, and a 15-year-old boy from Nsanje, whose claims allegedly contributed to the killings. Police also arrested Hudson Thomas, 26, of Billy Village under Traditional Authority Ngabu in Chikwawa for allegedly making another false claim.

Two additional suspects are in custody for participating in the mob violence.

The deceased have been identified as Yobe Ching’oma, 42, and his wife Migresi Mussa, 37, both from Chikwawa; Madalitso Joe William, 42, from Chikwawa, who was killed in Nsanje; and Baza Sande, 34, also from Chikwawa.

Police said the attackers responsible for one of the killings remain at large.

MPS has since urged members of the public in the affected districts to use social media responsibly and cooperate with authorities by providing credible information that could assist in further arrests.