A chicken theft turned into a painful rooftop tumble after a woman allegedly broke into a kraal at Kanyenda Primary School staff houses in Ntchisi.
The 32-year-old suspect, identified as Koleta Ndelemani, is now in hospital under police guard after she fell from a roof while allegedly trying to flee, leaving her with deep cut wounds to the head.
Ntchisi Police spokesperson Salomy Zgambo said the incident happened during the night of September 24 to 25, 2026.
According to Zgambo, Dyson Phiri keeps his chickens in a hanging kraal outside his house.
Phiri reportedly woke up after hearing strange noises coming from the kraal.
When he went to check, he allegedly found Ndelemani inside the kraal stealing chickens.
Phiri shouted for help, prompting Ndelemani to climb onto the roof of his house.
She subsequently fell to the ground, hit her head and became unconscious.
She was taken to Ntchisi Police Station before being referred to Ntchisi District Hospital, where she remains admitted under police guard.
Police said her condition is fairly stable.
Ndelemani comes from Chikuwu Village under Traditional Authority Kalumo in Ntchisi District.
Zgambo said investigations will continue after the suspect is discharged from hospital.
