By Ernest Mfunya

Mangochi, June 11, Mana. Police in Namwera, Mangochi District have arrested 19-years-old, Botomani Martin in connection with the brutal murder of Brian Alabi, 5, from Mkwesa Village, Traditional Authority (TA) Bwananyambi in the district after being on the run for several days in an attempt to cross into Mozambique.

Mangochi Police Station Publicist, Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi told Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Tuesday that members of the community apprehended Martin in the evening of June 10, 2025, at Chiponde border on his attempt to cross over to Mozambique after several days in hiding.

She said in preliminary confession, Martin admitted to committing the crime alongside five accomplices, still at large, claiming that they were hired by a man from Mozambique who allegedly sought to become a traditional chief and intended to use the boy for ritual.

“Police investigations also established that Martin is a habitual criminal, though previous offences were not officially reported to police as his offences were dealt with at community level.

“The police charged the suspect with murder, contrary to section 209 of the Penal Code, and will appear before court upon completion of investigations,” added Daudi.

Mangochi Police therefore extended gratitude to members of the community for apprehending the suspect, saying this testified their continued support and cooperation in the fight against crime. 

Brian’s body was discovered on June 5, 2025, a day after he was reported missing, after villagers noticed a dog barking while digging in a nearby garden.

Upon closer look community members discovered human fingers protruding from the soil, according to Mangochi Police.

Police, accompanied by a clinical officer from Chiponde Health Centre went to the scene and exhumed Brian`s body.

A postmortem indicated that the boy died of strangulation caused by a twisted neck and head injuries and the body also showed signs of severe trauma, including punctured eyes and bleeding from the nose and mouth.

Martin comes from Mkwesa Village, Traditional Authority Bwananyambi in Mangochi District.