Murder sends man to life imprisonment

The High Court’s Criminal Division in Blantyre has sentenced Fombe Nyamatchilenga to life imprisonment for the murder of 35 year-old Moses Semu.

Justice Vikochi Chima passed the sentence, following Nyamatchilenga’s conviction on August 26, 2026.

The case dates back to 2014 when Semu went to graze cattle at Chipakuza Village under Traditional Authority Malemia in Nsanje District but did not return home.

His body was later found buried in a pit after his cattle returned home unattended.A post mortem examination established that Semu died from a severe head injury.

The State, represented by Principal State Advocate Layna Kulesi from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, presented evidence linking Nyamatchilenga to the grazing field and showing that he fled the village after being questioned.

Police also recovered a blood stained axe, panga knife and T-shirt from his home before arresting him in Chilomoni Township, Blantyre.

Nyamatchilenga was initially charged together with Willy Semu and Mark Kaunde. However, the court acquitted the two co-accused at the close of the State’s case due to insufficient evidence.

Meanwhile, after hearing Nyamatchilenga’s defence, Justice Chima sentenced him to life imprisonment.