MANGOCHI-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Police Service in Mangochi are keeping in custody 19-year-old suspect, Botomani Martin, in connection with the brutal murder of 5-year-old Brian Alabi.
Speaking with MaraviPost, Mangochi Police Public Relations Officer Amina Tepani Daudi,says the young boy’s body was discovered on June 5, 2025, in a garden in Mkwesa Village, Traditional Authority (T.A) Bwananyambi, after being reported missing the previous day.
“The police investigation revealed that Brian’s death was a result of strangulation caused by a twisted neck and head injuries, with severe trauma, including punctured eyes and bleeding from the nose and mouth”Daudi explained.
Martin was arrested on June 10, 2025, at Chiponde area, with the help of community members, as he attempted to flee to Mozambique, Daudi added.
In his preliminary confession, Martin admitted to committing the crime alongside five accomplices who remain at large.
He claimed that they were hired by a man from Mozambique who allegedly sought to use the boy for ritual purposes to become a traditional chief.
Martin, who hails from Mkwesa village, has been charged with murder, which contravenes Section 209 of the Penal Code.
He will appear before court upon completion of investigations.
