Mzuzu Police Probe Murder of 19-Year-Old Student

By Michael Martin//MALAWI

Police in Mzuzu have launched investigations into the suspected murder of a 19-year-old secondary school student whose body was discovered along Chiputula-Recreation Road near Mzuzu Upper Stadium.

The deceased, identified as Esther Banda, was a Form Four student at Masambilo Private Secondary School.

Mzuzu Police Station Assistant Public Relations Officer Edson Chipeni said Banda left home for school on Friday morning and returned later that evening accompanied by a friend.

Chipeni said the student subsequently left home with three friends to attend a music show at Linde Lounge but never returned.

According to police, Banda’s mother received distressing news on Saturday that her daughter’s body had been discovered along the road near the stadium.

Police officers who visited the scene found the body half-dressed, prompting further investigations into the circumstances surrounding her death.

A postmortem examination conducted at Mzuzu Central Hospital established that Banda died from strangulation, while signs of sexual assault were also observed.

Police have since intensified investigations to establish the circumstances of the incident and identify those suspected of being responsible.

Authorities have appealed to members of the public who attended the music show at Linde Lounge on Friday night, as well as those who were in the vicinity of Chiputula-Recreation Road, to provide any information that could help investigators.

Police say information from witnesses could be crucial in tracing the events leading to the student’s death and bringing those responsible to justice.