By Twink Jones Gadama
A stepfather has been arrested in Dowa for allegedly killing his stepson over a kamba snack.
Gerald Matamula, a resident of Msungwi village, Traditional Authority Msakambewa, is facing murder charges after he brutally beat his stepson to death.
According to Dowa police public relations officer, Alice Sitima, the incident occurred on Tuesday, February 25, when the deceased entered Matamula’s shop and took a kamba snack.
The stepfather, enraged by the boy’s actions, grabbed him and started beating him mercilessly until he became unconscious.
Good Samaritans who witnessed the incident rushed the child to the hospital, but unfortunately, it was too late.
The medical attendant at the hospital informed the people who brought the child that they had brought a corpse, indicating that the child had already succumbed to his injuries.
The police were notified, and Matamula was arrested and charged with murder. He is expected to appear before the court to answer the charges.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with many expressing outrage and sadness over the senseless killing of a young boy.
The police have condemned the incident, urging parents and guardians to exercise restraint and patience when dealing with children.
“This is a tragic incident that could have been avoided,” said Sitima. “We urge parents and guardians to always prioritize the safety and well-being of their children, even in situations where they may have done something wrong.”
The incident has also raised concerns about the levels of violence and discipline in homes.
Many have called for greater awareness and education on positive parenting and conflict resolution.
As the community comes to terms with the loss of a young life, the police have assured that they will do everything in their power to ensure that justice is served.
“We will thoroughly investigate this incident and ensure that the perpetrator is held accountable for his actions,” said Sitima.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the rights and safety of children. It is a wake-up call for parents, guardians, and communities to prioritize the well-being and safety of children and to seek help when needed.
As the case unfolds, the community will be watching closely to ensure that justice is served and that measures are put in place to prevent such incidents from happening again.
