Mzuzu killings leave residents fearful

A spate of killings in Mzuzu is heightening fear among residents, with some cutting business hours and changing their daily routines amid growing concerns about personal safety.

The city recorded three murder cases in October 2026 alone, raising alarm over the safety of residents and the psychological toll of violent deaths on affected communities.

The latest incident was reported on October 24, when the body of a 19-year-old Form Four student was found along Chiputula-Recreation Road, near Mzuzu Upper Stadium.

The student had attended a music show at Linde Lounge the previous night. A postmortem established that she died from strangulation, with signs of sexual assault also noted.

Earlier in the month, the body of 22-year-old Kestina Kumwenda was discovered at Chandamale Forest, five days after she went missing while collecting firewood.

Police on patrol in Mzuzu

(Inset) Chipeni: Mzuzu police public relations officer. | Nation

On October 10, four-year-old Jennifer Mtambo was found unconscious in an unfinished house in Zolozolo Township after disappearing while playing outside her home.

She was rushed to Mzuzu Central Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. A postmortem established that she died from strangulation following suspected sexual assault.

Mzuzu Police public relations officer Edison Chipeni said police had arrested two men in connection with Jennifer’s murder.

Th e Oc to b e r incidents add to five murders recorded by Mzuzu Police between July and September 2026, the same number recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.

Chipeni could not provide comparable figures for the fourth quarter of 2025.

Of the five murders recorded between July and September this year, three occurred in September alone, representing 60 percent of the total.

Chipeni said investigations into some of the third-quarter cases had linked the killings to disputes at drinking joints and excessive alcohol consumption.

He said police had arrested suspects in four of the five cases recorded during the period.

To address the situation, Chipeni said police were intensifying night patrols and conducting public awareness campaigns on anger management and the dangers of mob justice.

“But we also want to appeal to the public to help us by reporting any disputes earlier to victim support units or local leaders,” he said.

St John of God clinical psychologist Frank Magagula said repeated reports of violent deaths could heighten anxiety and create a general sense of insecurity, even among people who had no direct connection to the victims.

“These incidents understandably create fear and sadness among residents. Children may become frightened, parents may worry about their families’ safety, and people may begin avoiding places or activities they previously considered safe,” he said.

Magagula said families who lose loved ones in violent circumstances also needed psychological and psychosocial support to cope with their grief.

For some residents, the fear has already translated into economic losses and changes to their daily routines.

Hastings Mkandawire of Salisbury Line said the killings had affected him emotionally and financially, forcing him to close his business and return home before 6pm for fear of being attacked.

He said the early closures were costing him income by denying him business during the evening hours.

Another res ident , Grace Mwenelupembe, called on police to take decisive action against those responsible, warning that the killings posed a serious threat to society.

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