ZR Reporter
An 80-year-old man of Chief Kambombo’s Chiefdom in Chama District has died after allegedly being administered two maize preservative tablets by his own relatives, who accused him of practicing witchcraft.
The deceased has been identified as Saiton Mkandawire of Chiyunga Village.
Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba confirmed the incident, stating that it occurred between Tuesday, 13th January 2026, at about 13:00 hours, and the early hours of Wednesday, 14th January 2026.
Brief facts indicate that on Tuesday morning, around 06:00 hours, the late Saiton Mkandawire went to apply fertilizer in his tobacco field in the company of his wife,Timalizye Zimba.
At about 09:00 hours, their grandson, Yesani Phiri, arrived at the field with his one-week-old baby boy and handed the child to his grandmother, claiming that his wife was failing to breastfeed due to a lack of milk. He allegedly accused his grandfather of having bewitched his wife.
Mr. Mweemba said that following the accusation, the deceased and his wife stopped working and returned home to seek clarification.
He says while at their house, several family members, including the deceased’s sons, daughters, son-in-law, and grandson Yesani Phiri, allegedly followed them.
It is alleged that the relatives told the deceased that they had consulted a witch doctor from Malawi, who claimed that Saiton Mkandawire was a wizard.
Mr. Mweemba said that, acting on this belief, they allegedly administered two maize preservative tablets and waited for him to die.
The elderly man was later rushed to Kamfutu Rural Health Centre by his younger brother, Maston Mkandawire, before being referred to Chama District Hospital.
Mr. Mweemba says despite receiving medical attention, he died around midnight.
The body of the deceased has since been deposited at Chama District Hospital mortuary, awaiting postmortem examination.
Mr. Mweemba said that a docket has been opened and investigations are underway to establish the exact cause of death.
He added that no arrests have been made so far.
ENDS.