Police in Namwera, Mangochi District, have apprehended a 30-year-old Ground Laborer at Namwera Health Centre, identified as Eric Kasawala, on allegations of attempting to eliminate his co-worker, Christina Dzimbiri, for reasons known to himself.
Mangochi Police Publicist Amina Tepani Daudi said the incident occurred on November 15, 2023, at Sumaili Village, Traditional Authority Jalasi, in the district. Both suspect and the victim, who have been longtime friends work as ground laborers at the health facility.
According to police findings, on the specified date, Kasawala visited Dzimbiri’s house, bringing two unsealed cartons of Enjoy juice meant for the victim and her daughter, who was playing outside.
The suspect allegedly forced the victim to drink it while sending the housemaid to a nearby grocery to buy airtime.
After a few sips, the victim noticed black substances in the juice. Minutes later, she began vomiting and complaining of stomachache. The suspect then attempted to strangle the victim with her wrapper, but she managed to overpower him while screaming for help. The suspect fled the house with the victim’s cellphone.
The incident was reported to Namwera Police Post who rushed the victim to Namwera Health Centre before she was referred to Mangochi District Hospital for medical treatment. Examination revealed that the juice was mixed with poisonous substances which are yet to be identified.
The suspect was apprehended on November 16, 2023, in Machinga enroute to Blantyre. He is set to appear in court to face charges of attempted murder after the completion of paperwork.
Eric Kasawala hails from Sumaili village, Traditional Authority Jalasi, in Mangochi.
