Four-Year-Old Found Dead in Maize Field in Balaka, Police Launch Manhunt

Police in Balaka have opened a murder investigation after the body of a four-year-old girl was discovered in a maize field in the district.

According to Balaka Police spokesperson Gladson M’bumpha, the incident occurred between Monday night and Tuesday morning at Semu Village under Traditional Authority Matola. The victim, identified as Dorothy Kavalo, reportedly went missing on Monday afternoon.

Her mother is said to have left the child playing with friends while she travelled to Domoka Village to sell kachasu.

Upon returning home around 6 p.m., she was informed by one of the children that an unidentified man had allegedly lured Dorothy away with the promise of buying her a snack.

Family members and community residents immediately launched a search for the girl, but their efforts were unsuccessful.

The following morning, a local farmer discovered the child’s body approximately 500 metres from her home while harvesting in his maize garden.

Police officers and medical personnel from Balaka District Hospital visited the scene and noted blood coming from the child’s mouth and nose.

A postmortem examination later confirmed that Dorothy died from internal injuries, including a fractured neck and jaw, consistent with a violent assault.

Police say investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the suspect.