11 Arrested Over Violent Clashes in Nkhotakota as Police Restore Calm
Published on July 3, 2026 at 11:13 AM by Evance Kapito
Police in Nkhotakota District have arrested 11 people suspected of being behind the violent unrest that erupted on Tuesday in the area of Senior Chief Mwadzama.
Nkhotakota Police spokesperson Chisomo Chuma said the suspects, who include men, women and youths, were arrested overnight as investigations into the violence continue.
Chuma said the situation has now returned to normal following the deployment of additional police officers from Salima, Lilongwe and Kasungu to help restore order.
The violence saw angry residents set ablaze the homes of Senior Chief Mwadzama and some of his relatives following a dispute over land.
The unrest is linked to a government decision, through the Ministry of Lands, to allocate land in the area to Ethanol Company Limited for sugarcane cultivation and the establishment of processing facilities.
However, some community members have opposed the development, leading to tensions that escalated into violence.
Police say investigations are ongoing and more arrests could follow.
