Mob Kills Police Officer, Driver in Phalombe Over Suspected Bribe Demands

Two men, including a police officer, were killed by an angry mob on Monday night at Maliro Village in Traditional Authority Jenala, Phalombe District, after villagers accused them of demanding money while conducting drug-related arrests.

The deceased have been identified as Constable Lawrence Cholomali, 26, who was stationed at Blantyre Police Station, and Smart Mahara Njoka, 30, a driver from Chilomoni.

According to a police report, the two, together with another police officer and a man identified only as “Wamazira,” arrived in the area using a silver Honda Mobilio vehicle.

While in the area, they reportedly arrested a woman found in possession of cannabis and allegedly demanded K300,000 for her release. After negotiations, the woman was released after paying K150,000, which was reportedly sourced from a local businessman.

The group later arrested another man suspected of selling drugs but allegedly released him after he paid K50,000.

However, villagers became suspicious after noticing that the officers were unfamiliar in the area and had not reported their operation to Chitekesa Police Unit. When local police confirmed they had no knowledge of the operation, villagers set up an improvised roadblock to question the group.

Before they could reach the police unit, the group was pursued by villagers who blocked possible escape routes and surrounded them.

Police officers from Chitekesa rushed to the scene, but the situation quickly escalated as villagers began throwing stones. Despite warning shots fired in the air by police in an attempt to disperse the crowd, the mob overpowered the officers and severely assaulted the two men.

The victims were later taken to Reverend John Chilembwe Hospital, where postmortem examinations confirmed they died from severe blood loss due to head injuries caused by stones.

The vehicle they were using was also heavily damaged during the attack.

Police say investigations are currently underway and efforts are being made to identify and arrest those involved in the killings.

Copied: Hastings Msosa