Suspected armed robbers attack family

Six suspected armed robbers have attacked a family that was returning from the neighbouring Malawi, and went off with a motorbike valued at K28,000 in Vubwi District. The incident happened around 00:20 hours on August 21, 2026, along the Mbande-Chikoka Road, in Chief…

Six suspected armed robbers have attacked a family that was returning from the neighbouring Malawi, and went off with a motorbike valued at K28,000 in Vubwi District.

The incident happened around 00:20 hours on August 21, 2026, along the Mbande-Chikoka Road, in Chief Pembamoyo’s area.

Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba confirmed the incident to ZANIS News, saying the suspects, who were armed with sticks, emerged from a nearby bush and attacked 28-year-old Charles Banda of Mayela Village, who was carrying his wife and another passenger on the motorbike he was riding.

He said Banda was travelling with his wife, Matis Banda, and sister-in-law, Selena Banda, after returning from Mchinji District in Malawi, where they had gone to buy goods for a wedding celebration.

Mr Mweemba said one of the suspects struck Banda on the head, causing a deep cut on his forehead and general body pains.

“The attack occurred as the trio reached Mphiri Yosema Mountain on their way home,” Mr Mweemba said.

He said Banda fell from the motorbike together with the two passengers following the attack, with Selena sustaining back pains while Matis, the rider’s wife escaped unhurt.

The East Police Commanding Officer said the trio abandoned the motorbike and fled into the bush before reporting the matter at Vubwi Police Station.

Police officers who visited the scene found tyre marks but did not recover the motorbike.

“Medical report forms were issued to the victims for medical attention, while a docket has been opened and investigations instituted,” he noted.