Man Arrested in Balaka for Killing Friend Over Beer
Published on December 26, 2025 at 8:41 AM by Edgar Naitha
Police in Balaka District have arrested 22-year-old Richard Welemu on suspicion of murdering Yamikani Nandewe, also 22, after stabbing him in the neck with a broken glass bottle.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, December 25, at Mbera.
According to Balaka Police spokesperson Gladson M’bumpha, Nandewe was at a drinking joint with friends when Welemu approached and asked for a share of a large bottle of beer locally known as velemoti.
When Nandewe refused, Welemu allegedly became angry, picked up a broken glass bottle and stabbed him in the neck.
Nandewe collapsed and was rushed to Mbera Primary Health Centre while bleeding heavily, but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
M’bumpha said the suspect fled and hid in another village but was later arrested after members of the public tipped off the police.
The suspect is expected to appear before court soon
