Young Man Arrested for Murd3r of 5-Year-Old in Suspected Chieftaincy-Related Rituals in Mangochi

Mangochi Police have arrested a 19-year-old man, Botomani Martin, in connection with the gruesome murder of five-year-old Brian Alabi of Mkwesa Village, Traditional Authority Bwananyambi in Mangochi District.

According to Mangochi Police Station spokesperson Amina Tepani Daudi, the suspect was apprehended on June 10, 2025, in the Chiponde area with assistance from community members. Martin had been on the run for several days and was reportedly attempting to flee into Mozambique.

The arrest comes days after Brian’s body was discovered on June 5, 2025 just one day after he was reported missing. Villagers became suspicious after a dog persistently barked while digging in a nearby garden. Upon investigation, they were shocked to see human fingers protruding from the soil.

A postmortem conducted at Mangochi District Hospital revealed that the boy died from strangulation caused by a twisted neck and head injuries.

“In his preliminary statement to police, Martin admitted to the killing and claimed that he committed the crime with five other accomplices, who are still at large,” Daudi said.

“He further alleged that they were hired by a man from Mozambique who wanted to use the boy for ritual purposes in an attempt to ascend to a traditional chieftaincy.”

Police say investigations are ongoing and efforts are being intensified to apprehend the remaining suspects.

Botomani Martin hails from Kalupsa Village, Traditional Authority Bwananyambi in Mangochi District.