Teenager Arrested for Mistakenly Stabbing Housemaid to Death in Lilongwe

Lilongwe Police have apprehended a 17-year-old boy in connection with the tragic death of a 32-year-old housemaid at Area 36, Kandikole location. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon and is believed to be a case of mistaken identity.

According to reports, the suspect had recently been released on police bail from the Chitsime police unit following another arrest. Allegedly, fueled by anger and seeking revenge against his former female boss, the teenager hurried to the residence of his ex-employer. However, upon arrival, he encountered the housemaid instead and fatally stabbed her.

The suspect’s initial encounter with the law stemmed from a complaint filed against him and two accomplices by his former boss. They were accused of breaking into the complainant’s business office along Lilongwe bypass Road and stealing a substantial sum of money, totaling K970,000. While in custody, the suspect, identified as Ishmael Wasi, was granted bail due to his status as a minor, and part of the stolen money was recovered.

On June 12, 2023, driven by a desire for retaliation over his arrest and subsequent job loss, Wasi reportedly targeted his former employer’s wife. However, in a tragic twist of events, he mistakenly assaulted and ultimately stabbed the housemaid, identified as Patricia Ching’amba.

Ching’amba desperately called for help, but unfortunately, the response arrived too late to save her. Instead, the bystanders reacted by assaulting the suspect before the police intervened. Both Wasi and Ching’amba were then transported to Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH), where Ching’amba was pronounced dead.