Balaka Man Found Dead After Allegedly Ingesting Pesticides

A 35-year-old man, Douglas Nazombe, from Misomali Village under Traditional Authority Nkaya in Balaka District, has died after allegedly taking pesticide tablets in an apparent suicide.

Balaka Police Station Public Relations Officer, Inspector Gladson M’bumpha, said the incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon, January 21, 2026, at a rest house within Balaka Town.

M’bumpha explained that on Sunday, January 18, 2026, Nazombe, who was married, was allegedly caught having sexual intercourse with another man’s wife in a garden by passers-by. The passers-by alerted other people, prompting villagers, including Nazombe’s wife, to gather at the scene.

Later that evening, around 19:00 hours, the husband of the woman involved reportedly went to Nazombe’s home but did not find him. In anger, the man allegedly damaged Nazombe’s bicycle before leaving.

Nazombe later reported the matter to Balaka Police Station, where both parties were invited for dialogue, during which Nazombe apologised for his wrongdoing.

However, on Wednesday, Nazombe was found dead at a rest house, with a bottle containing diluted pesticide tablets found beside his body. Police say investigations into the matter are ongoing.