Violence Erupts After Gonapamuhanya Cultural Festival

A disturbing incident unfolded in Rumphi today after the Tumbuka cultural festival, Gonapamuhanya, came to a close at the Kadumuliro cultural site.

Festival-goers were attacked, and a minibus carrying passengers from Phoka had its windows shattered.

The situation spiraled out of control, forcing police to deploy teargas to restore order, resulting in injuries to several individuals.

Group Village Headman Chilongozgi has been taken into custody in connection with the incident and is currently being held at Rumphi police station.

According to Rumphi Police Station spokesperson Noel Kamchenga, the traditional leader was allegedly among those hurling insults and stones at people exiting the event.

Fortunately, Kamchenga reports that the police have regained control of the situation, and security has been tightened in Bolero.

The Gonapamuhanya festival is an annual celebration honoring the life of the first Tumbuka King, typically observed by the Tumbuka people, a small community primarily residing in northern Malawi.

This year’s event was themed “Empowerment of Women and Youth for Development.