By Sylvester Kumwenda

Dowa, April 2, Mana: Police in Mponela, Dowa have arrested a 31-year-old man for allegedly killing a supporter of a rival football team over goal celebrations.

Mponela Police Public Relations Officer, Macpatson Msadala, identified the suspect as Luke James, of Changunda Village in Senior Chief Chakhaza in Dowa.

He is suspected of killing Austin Kayera, 35, who hailed from Kapichira Village, Senior Chief Chakhaza in Dowa.

Msadala said a controversy emerged on March 30, 2025 around 3pm during a football match between Magantha and Changunda football clubs held at Kabwinja Primary School ground.

"In the course of the game, Magantha football club, which Kayera was supporting, scored a goal. Kayera went to celebrate the goal on the other side of the ground where there were fans of the rival team.

"This provoked the fans of Changunda team who started chasing him. Kayera run away heading towards Kabwinja School teacher’s houses. While chasing him, James took a hoe handle and hit Kayera at the back of his head," said Msadala.

When he went home, Kayera complained of body pains and his relatives took him to Madisi Mission Hospital which, upon assessment, refered him to Mtengowanthenga Mission Hospital.

However, medical officers there on the same day further refered Kayera to Kamuzu Central Hospital.

"On March 31 Kayera was pronounced dead while receiving treatment. Postmortem which was conducted the following day established that death was due to severe traumatic brain injuries with severe intracranial hemorrhage, secondary to the assault.

The suspect will appear before court soon to answer murder charges.