Watchman Arrested for Murder After Beating Suspected Maize Thief in Lilongwe

Police at Lingadzi Police Station in Lilongwe have arrested Nkunzani Chitanda of Mbwetu Village under Traditional Authority Chitukula on suspicion of murdering a 23-year-old man, Harold Patrick.

According to Police Public Relations Officer Sergeant Maria Kumwenda, the suspect was employed as a watchman guarding a maize field in the area.

Kumwenda said the incident occurred on March 31, 2026, at around 20:00 hours, when Chitanda allegedly spotted a man he suspected of stealing maize from the field.

“He apprehended the individual, who later turned out to be the deceased, and severely assaulted him before leaving him unconscious outside the field,” she said.

Relatives later rushed Patrick to Area 18 Health Centre, where he died while receiving treatment.

Police have since taken Chitanda into custody and he is expected to appear in court to answer a charge of murder.