Fountain of Victory International Church founder Apostle Joseph Ziba has defended Bishop Medram Chirwa following his arrest over the alleged murder of FDH Bank employee Tathokoza Salimu, saying information available to the church does not conclusively link him to the crime.
In a statement, Ziba said Chirwa told police that he was searching for land at Mbwatalika, outside Lilongwe, when the alleged murder occurred.
He claimed three people who accompanied the bishop during the land search confirmed they were with him at the material time.
Ziba further said police searched Chirwa’s residence for the alleged murder weapon and items believed to belong to Salimu but found nothing.
However, the church’s account has not been independently verified, and it remains unclear whether investigators have corroborated the bishop’s alibi.
Ziba also dismissed reports that Chirwa fled to Karonga, saying the bishop accompanied him on a Northern Region tour before returning to his Lilongwe church station.
While expressing condolences to Salimu’s family, Ziba called for impartial investigations and urged the public to avoid premature conclusions.
He stressed that anyone found responsible for the killing must face justice, while Chirwa’s rights must be respected.
Salimu, 31, was found dead inside a vehicle at Chinkhota Village near Tatolonga Bridge along the Dzaleka-Dowa Boma Road on September 21, 2026.
