2024-11-04

26 bodies found in mass grave in Mzimba in decomposed state

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26 dead bodies believed to be of immigrants from Ethiopia and Somali have been found in a mass grave at Golong’ondo area within Mtangatanga Forest Reserve in Mzimba.

It is suspected that the bodies are of Ethiopian and Somali immigrants who entered the country illegally.

The grave was found by some locals who went into the forest to produce honey. It is reported that a hyena had pulled out one of the bodies.

Police, prison, immigration officers and health officials rushed to the forest after the matter was reported to them.

Mzimba police Officer-in- Charge, Sydon Mpina has told the local media that they believe the the graves contained bodies of illegal immigrants from either Somalia or Ethiopia.

He added that police were discussing with the district council and other stakeholders on proper burial of the bodies which were found in decomposed state.

District Commissioner Rodney Simwaka said in a memo that health workers were expected to conduct postmortem on the bodies to determine cause of death.

The discovery has shocked group village headman Bwanaholo.

Illegal immigrants from Somali and Ethiopia usually enter Malawi through the Northern Region and are trafficked through various districts including Lilongwe on their way to Dedza where they cross into Mozambique with the aim of reaching South Africa.

The remains will be buried later today after postmortem.

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