Police probe death of 30 year-old man at Nimbula village in Nkhotakota

By Michael Martin//MALAWI

Police in Nkhotakota District are investigating the death of a 30 year old man identified as Asante Banda which occurred at Nimbula Village under Traditional Authority Kalimanjira.

Nkhotakota Police Station Deputy Public Relations Officer, Sergeant Chisomo Chuma, confirmed the incident and said authorities received a report from the area on the evening of the incident.

According to Chuma, preliminary findings indicate that Banda had been making preparations to travel to South Africa in search of improved economic opportunities.

“The deceased had already obtained a passport and was waiting for financial assistance to facilitate his travel,” said Chuma.

He explained that Banda’s mother who lives in Lilongwe had promised to provide the transport money during her visit to the village on December 30, 2025.

Chuma added that the passport was being kept by Banda’s grandmother for safekeeping.

“However, when the mother returned to Lilongwe, she reportedly carried the passport with her without the knowledge of the deceased,” he said.

Police say that when Banda later asked his grandmother for the passport, he was informed that his mother had taken it which resulted in a misunderstanding within the family.

“This development is believed to have caused emotional distress to the deceased,” Chuma noted.

Later that evening, family members found Banda unresponsive and immediately rushed him to Mpamantha Health Centre.

Upon arrival at the health facility, medical personnel pronounced him dead and indicated that the death was due to suffocation.

The matter was reported to Nkhotakota Police Station, and officers visited both the scene and Mpamantha Health Centre, where the cause of death was officially certified.

Police have since appealed to families and communities to remain attentive to signs of emotional distress among relatives and to seek timely support through appropriate channels.

Asante Banda hailed from Nimbula Village in the area of Traditional Authority Kalimanjira, Nkhotakota District.