Police in Namwera, Mangochi, have apprehended 19-year-old Botomani Martin in connection with the murder of 5-year-old Brian Alabi.
Martin was arrested on June 10, 2025, at Chiponde area with the help of community members as he attempted to flee to Mozambique.
According to Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi, Mangochi Public Relations Officer, Brian’s body was discovered on June 5, 2025, after villagers noticed a dog digging in a nearby garden and saw human fingers protruding from the soil.
Daudi said postmortem examination revealed that Brian died of strangulation caused by a twisted neck and head injuries, with signs of severe trauma, including punctured eyes and bleeding from the nose and mouth.
Inspector Daudi added that Martin admitted to committing the crime alongside five accomplices who remain at large.
“He claimed they were hired by a man from Mozambique who allegedly sought to use the boy for ritual purposes to become a traditional chief” She added.
Daudi futher explained that Police investigations revealed that Martin is a habitual offender with previous unreported offenses resolved at the community level.
Inspector Daudi stressed that Martin has been charged with murder, contravening Section 209 of the Penal Code, and will appear in court upon completion of investigations.
The Police are actively hunting for the remaining suspects.
Martin hails from Mkwesa village ,Traditional Authority Bwananyambi in Mangochi district.
