Police in Mangochi have arrested a 52-year-old man, Godi Kanjira—popularly known as Savimbi—for allegedly assaulting immigration officers, damaging government property, and evading law enforcement following a violent altercation near Namitunda Estate.
According to Mangochi Police Station spokesperson Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi, the incident occurred on the afternoon of July 2 along the Bakili Muluzi Highway.
A team of six immigration officers from the Chiponde Border Post had mounted a temporary checkpoint when the suspect, driving a Toyota Sienta, reportedly approached at high speed and intentionally knocked down four reflective traffic cones before fleeing the scene.
The officers pursued the suspect and caught up with him at Sailesi Trading Centre. Upon confrontation, Kanjira allegedly incited a group of local villagers to intervene violently. He is said to have used a catapult to hurl stones at the officers, injuring one officer on the left cheek. The injured officer was treated as an outpatient at Chiponde Health Centre.
In a further escalation, the suspect reportedly stormed into a nearby butchery, grabbed a machete, and threatened to hack the officers before fleeing again.
A manhunt was launched, and following an intensive investigation, Kanjira was apprehended on July 3 at the Chiponde Bus Depot in Mangochi Township.
Police records show that Kanjira is a repeat offender, previously involved in obstructing law enforcement operations.
He is expected to appear in court soon to face multiple charges, including malicious damage to government property, obstructing officers on duty, unlawful wounding, and violations of road traffic regulations such as reckless driving and overspeeding.
Inspector Daudi reminded motorists and members of the public to respect and comply with law enforcement officers as they carry out their duties, warning that any acts of violence or obstruction will be met with the full force of the law.
The suspect hails from Saiti Kadzuwa Village under Traditional Authority Mponda in Mangochi District.
