Man Accused of Killing Uncle Over Witchcraft Allegations in Dowa
Published on April 14, 2026 at 2:00 PM by Edgar Naitha
Police in Dowa are searching for a man suspected of killing his uncle in an attack linked to allegations of witchcraft.
Dowa Police Station Public Relations Officer, Alice Sitima, identified the suspect as Rodwell Nduna and the deceased as Positani Kachipewa. The incident happened on April 13, 2026, in Chikonkha Village under Traditional Authority Mkukula.
According to Sitima, the deceased’s wife, Fungenji Sengani, said Kachipewa had recently been accused of practicing witchcraft by some relatives, including the suspect. In an attempt to resolve the matter, family elders held a meeting a few days earlier, but failed to reach a consensus.
On the day of the incident, Nduna allegedly went to his uncle’s home, confronted him, and attacked him with a hammer, striking him several times on the head before fleeing.
Kachipewa was taken to Dowa District Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Police have since launched a manhunt for the suspect.
