By Ireen Mseteka
Likoma, April 30, Mana: District Commissioner (DC) for Cobue in Mozambique, Rachide Serafim has apologized over death of a Malawian fisherman who reportedly died while in the custody of Mozambican police.
Mozambican police officers arrested the fisherman, identified as Amidu Wilima, 35, from Chonde Village in the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Kanyenda in Nkhotakota, for allegedly fishing on the Mozambican side of Lake Malawi on April 18, 2024.
The officers however brought Wilima to Likoma dead and in handcuffs, which angered people on the island district.
Speaking when he visited for bilateral talks with Likoma District Council on Monday, Serafim expressed concern that Malawians were blocking Mozambican nationals from accessing social services in the district in displeasure with circumstances that led to Wilima’s death.
“People think that he was deliberately killed by our police officers, however such was not the case. The man was not cooperative and violent when he was arrested. He ended up drowning into the lake while escaping from police custody.
“This scenario has affected our relationship with people here as they are blocking our people from accessing health services in the district. This is putting them at a disadvantage, particularly those who rely on health facilities in Likoma District,” Serafim said.
He urged Malawians entering Mozambique to abide by that country’s laws and Mozambicans to do likewise when they enter into Malawi.
Director of Finance (DOF) for Likoma District Council, Wilson Muziya, speaking on behalf of the District Commissioner, said the meeting with the Mozambican counterparts was fruitful as they discussed a range of issues aimed at promoting peace and harmony among people in Likoma and Cobue districts.
“Their coming was actually good for the strengthening of our relationship. One of the issues we discussed was to sensitize community members on both sides on how to respect each other’s country’s laws and regulations when they cross borders,” said Muziya.
