Monday night ended the life of a promising 33-year-old doctor who was shot in the head at her matrimonial home in Chigumula in Blantyre.
Victoria Bobe, who until her death was a lecturer in the School of Medicine and Oral Health under the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (Kuhes), was shot at close range while her husband— Yamikani—watched hopelessly.
While it is alleged that the armed robbers demanded money from the husband, the heinous crime—which is said to have occurred around 11pm on the fateful day—has left the family broken and Chigumula’s Viphya Avenue neighbourhood terrified amid fears of a security lapse.
The matter has since courted Ministry of Homeland Security’s attention and it was debated in Parliament in the afternoon yesterday.
Details of the murder emerged in the early hours of yesterday, with an official police narrative later claiming the robbers drilled a hole on the residence’s fence before attacking a private security guard who was manning the premises.
The narrative further claimed that the husband heard strange noises from outside the house, which compelled him to check what was happening.
While he saw some movements outside the house through the bedroom window, it was, however, too late as the robbers had already made their way into the house.
“He shouted for help, but this time they had broken and entered into the house. The criminals demanded money, but he had no money. They then attacked the deceased and shot her in the head. She died on the spot. They managed to rob them of one laptop and two empty bags,” reads a crime situation report from Limbe Police Station.
As of yesterday afternoon, Limbe Police Station publicist Aubrey Singanyama in a written response said investigations were still ongoing.
Singanyama, however, said once a police preliminary report is ready he would revert.
“Since our officers are still on the ground, I can’t really commit to say this is what we have established. However, as soon as something comes up, I will surely revert,” he said.
As the sad news broke out in the morning yesterday, tributes started pouring in from colleagues of the fallen doctor, a well-known obstetrician and gynaecologist.
In a written response yesterday, Kuhes Vice- Chancel lor Pro f e s so r Macpherson Mallewa described the late Bobe as a dedicated lecturer and brilliant young obstetrician and gynaecologist.
Mallewa said: “Her students knew her as a mentor who taught not only with knowledge, but with kindness and humility, and we, her colleagues, knew her as a rising star, committed, disciplined and unwavering in her mission to improve women’s health in Malawi.”
In a separate interview, Kuhes professor of public health and epidemiology Adamson Muula said the late Bobe was a dedicated health professional.
“We have lost a committed medical practitioner. I remember her as a hard-working student at the then College of Medicine [now Kuhes] who went on to become a specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist,” said Muula.
Meanwhile, a funeral programme the family released yesterday shows that burial will take place at Misesa Cemetery in the afternoon today. Prior to the burial, a mass will be held at Limbe Cathedral.
According to the family, Bobe leaves behind a husband and two children. She hailed from Magombo Village, Traditional Authority Mkaya in Balaka District.
Recently, cases of violent attacks seemed to have faded with a few reported incidences. But National Police deputy spokesperson Alfred Chimthere yesterday said he needed to check with the police research and planning branch on official statistics.
Speaking during a Democratic Progressive Party rally on Sunday at Chilimampunga Ground in Lilongwe, Deputy Minister of Homeland Security Norman Chisale gave an assurance of utmost safety following his appointment alongside Peter Mukhito to lead the ministry.
While Chisale’s known mobile number was repeatedly engaged yesterday afternoon, Mukhito told Parliament that he will ensure all due processes are followed by police to apprehend the suspects.
He said Malawians must not panic, stressing government will ensure tight security.
