Police have arrested one person in connection with the suspected murder of 22-year-old Abdul Aziz Panjwani at a private cottage in Senga Bay, Salima on April 5 2026.
National Police deputy spokesperson Alfred Chimthere said in an interview at the weekend that the incident occurred during a gathering of at least15 young men for a birthday celebration and Easter holiday outing where alcohol was consumed into the night.
He said Panjwani, who was a resident of Mpingwe in Blantyre, died after being struck and run over by a Toyota Prado registration BM 852 during a confrontation.
Meanwhile, the suspect, Amaan Kansia, 20, of Kachelenje Village in Traditional Authority (T/A) Maganga in Salima, is in custody as investigations continue.
Police say tensions escalated at around 4am when the suspect and the victim reportedly engaged in a quarrel in the carpark. They said the duo was reportedly separated by other patrons before the confrontation resumed.
Moments before the fatal incident, an unidentified person reportedly discharged a firearm, according to police.
Police also confirmed that a live bullet was recovered at the scene and has been preserved as evidence, raising new lines of inquiry into the presence and use of a gun at the gathering.
Investigators say the suspect then entered his vehicle, started the engine and drove off, striking Panjwani, who was standing near the driver’s side, before running him over.
Well-wishers rushed Panjwani to Salima District Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival, according to police.
Meanwhile, in a statement, Kansia’s father Hanif Kansia extended condolences to the bereaved family but urged the public to allow investigations to take their course.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss and sympathise with the family. However, my son is entitled to the presumption of innocence,” he said.
On the other hand, a representative of the deceased’s family said they were preparing an official response but declined to comment further, citing respect for ongoing police investigations.
