Village headman, five others in police custody over grave desecration in Dowa
By Michael Martin//MALAWI
The Malawi Police Service (MPS) has arrested a village headman and five other suspects in connection with the tampering of a grave belonging to a person with albinism in Dowa District.
The arrests follow investigations into the desecration of the grave of the late Ms. Maunsamatha Zacharia which was discovered on 12 January 2026.
Ms. Zacharia, a person with albinism was buried in August 2023 at Khombera Village, Traditional Authority Nsakambewa in Dowa.
Confirming the development, Senior Superintendent Lael Chimtembo, the Service Public Relations Officer, released a statement dated 24 January 2026.
Chimtembo said police acted on intelligence and community reports that led to the apprehension of the suspects.
She said that those arrested include Village Headman Khombera, whose real name is Chitsosa Mangulenje aged 55, from Dowa District.
Chimtembo added that others in custody are Tonny Chawando Mwale (56) from Zomba District, and Msoloni Makuyira (48) from Dowa.
Police have also arrested Maliton Maguya (47), Lazaro Gidion (24), and Yakobe Chikadza (32), all residents of Dowa District.
According to police, preliminary findings suggest that the suspects acted jointly in committing the offence.
“The suspects are currently being held in police custody as investigations continue,” she added.
Chimtembo said police are still pursuing one remaining accomplice believed to have participated in the crime.
She added that efforts are underway to identify and trace the suspect so that all involved are brought to justice.
The six suspects will be taken to court soon, where they will be formally charged once investigations are completed.
Grave desecration linked to persons with albinism remains a serious concern in Malawi since 2014.
Over the years, people with albinism have been targeted for attacks, killings and grave tampering driven by harmful myths and beliefs.
The Malawi Police Service reiterated that such crimes are grave offences under the law.
Chimtembo emphasized that the police will not relent in protecting vulnerable members of society.
She warned that anyone found targeting people with albinism, whether alive or deceased will face the full force of the law.
The police also commended members of the public for providing crucial information that aided the investigation.
Community cooperation, she said, remains key in preventing and solving crimes.
Meanwhile, the developments have attracted reactions from various stakeholders, including civil society organizations.
Speaking in Lilongwe at a press briefing today, District Malawi First has criticized politicians and some organizations it claims are exploiting killings and attacks against people with albinism for political gain.
Malawi First leader Bon Kalindo said the issue should not be used to tarnish the image of the government.
Kalindo noted that such crimes have occurred even during previous administrations.
He described it as unfortunate that lasting solutions to end the attacks have remained elusive over the years.
Kalindo urged leaders to focus on practical measures rather than trading accusations.
He called on politicians, organizations and concerned citizens to work hand in hand with government authorities.
According to Kalindo, collective responsibility is essential in eradicating the crimes targeting people with albinism.
He stressed that unity and cooperation would yield better results than finger pointing.
He repeatedly called for stronger enforcement of laws protecting people with albinism.
He also emphasized the need for sustained civic education to dispel myths surrounding albinism.
Traditional and community leaders have been encouraged to take a leading role in safeguarding vulnerable groups.
The arrest of a serving village headman has raised concerns about trust and leadership at community level.
About Author
