The body of Mavuto Makata, 22, who went missing on Sunday, April 24, was on Wednesday found floating in Esperanza Tea Plantation Estate”s dam in Mulanje.

According to Mudala Mendesi who was with the deceased the day he went missing day, Makata might have met his fate as they tried to escape from security guards in the plantation forest where they were fetching firewood without permission.

“My friend went to the other side of the forest away from me. In not more than an hour, I heard him screaming for help, I ran for my dear life instead of going where he screamed.

“I only hoped that he would find a way out of danger, unfortunately he met his fate,” said Mendesi.

Mulanje Police Station Deputy Public Relations Officer, Leah Kambalame asked for more time before commenting on the matter, saying the police were yet to get fine details about the whole story.

“Of course, we have heard about the death announcement but we are still investigating the cause of death. So, any time the police gather information, it will be open for public consumption,” Kambalame said.

The body was found in a decomposed state. Burial took place on Thursday with the presence of Mulanje Police officers to maintain peace among the family and community members.

Makata is survived by two children and hailed from Matereka Village in Traditional Authority Mabuka in the district.

Source: Gressald Kamwendo, Mana