Mob Justice Claims Teen’s Life in Dedza
Published on February 3, 2026 at 12:29 PM by Evance Kapito
A young man believed to be between 17 and 20 years old has been killed by an angry mob in Dedza District following allegations of theft.
The deceased, identified as Chidziwitso Mwaonanjira, was lynched on Monday night in Nyakwawa Kanyama’s area under Traditional Authority Kasumbu.
Village Head Kanyama confirmed the development to local media, stating that the teenager was caught red-handed while allegedly attempting to break into a house in the village.
According to the local leader, the area has been hit by a wave of criminal activities recently. In January alone, nearly 30 goats were reportedly stolen, along with several bags of maize and fertilizer.
“The suspects were caught in the act, which triggered the violent reaction from the community members who are frustrated by the rising cases of theft,” said Kanyama.
However, the village head condemned the act of taking the law into one’s own hands, urging his subjects to hand over suspected criminals to the police rather than resorting to violence.
The incident comes at a time when Dedza Police have been intensifying awareness campaigns against mob justice, warning that those involved in such killings will face murder charges.
Police have since moved in to investigate the matter, though no arrests have been made so far in connection with the killing.
