Man Arrested for Allegedly Killing Brother-in-Law Over Mattress Dispute in Lilongwe

Police in Lilongwe have arrested Khobidi Themuthemu’s 47-year-old father on suspicion of murdering his brother-in-law following a long-standing dispute over a mattress deal dating back to 2010.

According to Lilongwe Deputy Police Spokesperson Khumbo Sanyiwa, investigations revealed that in 2010, the brother-in-law, identified as Silirani, sold Themuthemu a mattress for K5,000, but later claimed he had changed his mind and sold it to someone else.

“Furious over this, Themuthemu stole his brother-in-law’s bicycle and sold it for K10,000. In 2011, the brother-in-law left for South Africa and only returned this year. Upon his return, he went to Themuthemu to demand his bicycle back,” said Mr. Sanyiwa.

However, Themuthemu allegedly told him he would only return the bicycle if he paid K250,000. This angered Silirani, and an argument ensued. During the altercation, Silirani reportedly snatched a cellphone from his sister, Themuthemu’s wife, prompting Themuthemu to strike him on the head.

“The brother-in-law fell to the ground and fainted. He was rushed to Kamuzu Central Hospital, where doctors confirmed he had died from head injuries,” Sanyiwa added.

Themuthemu will appear before court to answer urder charge.