A Malawian citizen, Samalani Waliwa (31), has died in a Mozambican police cell following what is being described as an unprofessional and unauthorized extradition by Malawi Police, allegedly influenced by instructions from Malawi Congress Party officials. The absence of a court order has raised serious concerns about the legality of the process.

The incident has sparked outrage among community members and relatives, who retaliated by causing extensive damage to property belonging to both the Malawi and Mozambique police.

Incident Background

On 10th January 2025, Nayuchi Police Post arrested Waliwa, an ex-convict from Chakhame Village, Traditional Authority Mchinguza, Machinga District, on charges of Unlawful Wounding (committed in Malawi) and two Breaking Offences (committed in Inter-Lagos, Mozambique).

On 12th January 2025, the case in Malawi was withdrawn by the complainant, leaving the suspect with pending charges in Mozambique. Subsequently, a formal request for his extradition was made by the Inter-Lagos Police. Without securing the necessary court orders, Waliwa was handed over to Mozambican officers Victor Alfonso Mafilica and Gerson Do Dosorio, who transported him to Mozambique.

At the time of the handover, the suspect was reportedly in good health. However, on 13th January 2025, at approximately 15:30 hrs, Mozambican Police informed Nayuchi Police Post that Waliwa had died in their custody earlier that morning at around 08:00 hrs.

Community Reaction and Escalation

Upon receiving news of Waliwa’s death, Nayuchi Police Post informed Traditional Authority Mchinguza, Chief Chakhame, and the deceased’s relatives. While the family requested a postmortem to determine the cause of death, local residents, upon learning of the incident, mobilized into an angry mob and retaliated violently.

The mob demanded the Mozambican officers and their vehicles remain at Nayuchi Police Post. When their demands were not met, the situation escalated:

1. The mob stoned and severely damaged two Mozambican police vehicles.

2. Mozambican officers were assaulted but managed to escape through the police post’s rear door.

3. The following property was set on fire:

• Two Mozambican police vehicles.

• MP 2480 Foton vehicle (Nayuchi Police Post).

• Two motorcycles (one operational, one non-operational).

• HONLG motorcycle (belonging to SCIO Nayuchi, S/Insp Wayawaya).

• Four additional motorcycles and ten bicycles (exhibits).

4. Nayuchi Police Post was set ablaze.

5. The Officer In-Charge’s residence was looted, and an unspecified amount of property was stolen.

Casualties and Damage

• No deaths or severe injuries were reported among police officers or their families.

• Significant property damage was recorded, including:

• Three motor vehicles (one belonging to Nayuchi Police, two to Mozambican Police).

• Seven motorcycles (two official, five exhibits).

• Ten bicycles (exhibits).

• The entire Nayuchi Police Post building.

Follow-Up Actions

Further investigations and detailed reports, including case reference NY/CR/11/01/2025, are ongoing to ascertain accountability and the full extent of the damages.

Report Compiled By:

A/Supt. R. Chipasuka

Officer In-Charge, Nayuchi Police Post

C/O Box 20, Machinga