Phalombe police spokesperson, Sergeant Innocent Moses, told Zodiak Online that the offense was committed January 21, 2020 Thunga Trade Centre in the district.

Sergeant Moses says findings of initial investigations indicate the two were earlier together at a drinking joint.

It is further alleged that Malinga assaulted the suspected thief on the head using a burglary bar upon which the victim fell unconscious.

Upon seeing Chimwemwe's condition, his relatives took him to Kalinde Health Centre where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Chimwemwe's death was due to head injuries according to postmortem conducted at the health facility.

Angry relations of the late took his body and dumped it at the house of the suspect.

Police had to intervene for proper burial ceremony of the late Chimwemwe proved futile since his relatives had abandoned his body.

Currently, body of the late Chimwemwe is being kept at Mulanje District Hospital mortuary pending proper burial arrangements.

The murder suspect is in police custody pending court trial.

Malinga hails from Thunga Village in the area of Senior Chief Kaduya in Phalombe.