Man behind bars for allegedly killing mother over K10,000 ‘Lobola’ dispute
By Michael Martin//MALAWI
Police in Lilongwe have arrested a 32 year old man, Zikuthabwanji Dimiyoni for allegedly killing his mother and injuring his father following a dispute over K10,000 in bride price locally known as “Lobola” money for his sister.
According to Lilongwe Police spokesperson Hastings Chigalu, the incident occurred on 30 December 2025 at Kamphata area in Lilongwe District.
Chigalu said investigations indicate that the suspect’s sister had recently married, and Dimiyoni who acted as the family’s marriage mediator (Nkhoswe) received the lobola money.
He allegedly became angry when his parents asked him to give them their share of the money, after which he reportedly attacked both parents using a hoe.
Chigalu added that after the assault, Dimiyoni locked his mother inside the house after breaking her arms while leaving his father outside throughout the night.
Despite the incident, community members neither reported the matter to the police nor assisted the victims until the morning of 31 December, when a report was finally made to Nathenje Police Unit.
The parents were taken to Nathenje Health Centre and later referred to Kamuzu Central Hospital.
However, Dimiyoni’s mother died on the way to the hospital.
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