MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-What began as an ordinary afternoon of laughter and play among friends turned tragic in the city of Mzuzu, when a nine-year-old boy, Elia Nkunika, lost his life after being attacked by a swarm of bees at Gesha on October 7, 2025.
According to Mzuzu Police Public Relations Officer, Inspector Augustus Nkhwazi, Elia and three other boys had gone to a nearby garden to play when the group accidentally disturbed a beehive.
The bees, in defense, swarmed and began stinging the children.
In a desperate attempt to escape the painful attack, Elia ran toward a nearby river to seek safety, while the others scattered in different directions.
Sadly, despite his efforts, Elia collapsed moments later.
His father, 37-year-old Anthony Nkunika, said he rushed to the scene after receiving a distress call from local residents.
“When I arrived, I found my son lying unconscious by the riverbank. We rushed him to Mzuzu Central Hospital but it was too late. The doctors told us he didn’t make it,” said the grieving father.
Medical personnel at the hospital confirmed that Elia died from anaphylactic shock a severe allergic reaction triggered by multiple bee stings.
The other three boys received treatment for minor injuries and were discharged the same day.
Wildlife experts have warned that bee attacks are becoming increasingly common in Malawi due to deforestation and human encroachment into natural habitats, which force the insects to nest closer to human settlements.
Elia hailed from Dolo Village, Traditional Authority (T.A) Chindi in Mzimba District.
