Unrest in Mzimba After Detainee Dies in Police Cell at Roadblock

Violent clashes erupted near a police roadblock in Raiply Limited, Mzimba, on Wednesday night after a 34-year-old man detained at the checkpoint died in a holding cell.

Eyewitnesses said a crowd from Thanthe village and surrounding communities stormed the roadblock shortly after the death became public, setting the structure on fire as anger mounted.

Police officers deployed tear gas to disperse the demonstrators, in scenes residents described as “running battles” between security personnel and civilians.

Locals accuse police of beating the suspect, alleging he later died from injuries sustained during arrest claims officers at the checkpoint have not publicly addressed.

One resident said tensions escalated after rumours of visible swelling in the deceased man’s private parts, which some in the crowd interpreted as evidence of possible abuse or foul play.

The same source said the allegation had deepened public suspicion of police conduct, though no medical or forensic report has yet confirmed the cause of the physical changes described.

Police at the scene called for reinforcements from Mzimba Police Headquarters and Mzimba officers, after struggling to contain the swelling crowd.

Mzimba Police spokesperson Maria Banda confirmed the unrest, telling journalists that at least three people had been arrested in connection with the violence.

She added that further arrests are expected, but declined to provide more details on the deceased man’s death or the investigation, citing the early and ongoing nature of inquiries.

“We can confirm there was unrest at a roadblock near Raiply Limited, and three suspects are currently in police custody. Operations to restore order are still underway,” she said.

Authorities have appealed for calm as investigations into the man’s death continue, amid heightened public scrutiny of police operations at checkpoints in the district.