Mangochi Police Hunt Village Headman M’madi Over House Demolition
Published on January 29, 2025 at 1:08 PM by Evance Kapito
Police in Mangochi are searching for Village Headman M’madi and his accomplices for allegedly vandalizing a house belonging to the Fisheries Department within his jurisdiction.
Mangochi Police Station spokesperson Amina Tepani Daudi confirmed that the incident occurred on January 28, 2025, in Katapwito Village, Traditional Authority Chimwala.
One suspect, Salimu Mateni (38), has already been arrested in connection with the case.
According to Sumaili Kilifu (32), the house’s occupant, his family had been living on the Fisheries Department property since 2004 under official authorization to safeguard it and the surrounding land.
However, following the death of Kilifu’s father in early January 2025, Village Headman M’madi reportedly began claiming control of the property, despite its government ownership.
On January 28, Village Headman M’madi allegedly mobilized a group to destroy the house. The attackers reportedly removed and stole 48 iron sheets worth K1,055,000 and assaulted Kilifu’s younger brother.
The matter was reported to the Chimwala Police Unit, prompting officers from the unit and the main station to visit the scene. Law enforcement recovered the stolen iron sheets and a wooden door from Village Headman M’madi’s house.
Mangochi Police have since launched a manhunt for the remaining suspects, who are expected to face charges of malicious damage, theft, and assault upon arrest.
Authorities are urging the public to provide any information that may assist in locating the suspects.
