The Malawi Police Service (MPS) has finally commented on the shooting incident of a fitness trainer identified as Chikondi Makawa which happened at Gateway Mall in the capital Lilongwe.

Makawa was shot dead by a police officer on Sunday after failing to pay for bottled water.

According to the police statement, the deceased was shot dead after attempting to snatch a riffle from a police officer identified as Sub inspector David Chitsike.

“Facts are that on Sunday around 10:50pm the deceased was at Acres Bottle store and he bought one Bottle of Bottled water and went out without paying for it. After about 10 Minutes the deceased instead of paying for it he left place and while was about distance of 50 metres one of Bar tender Mr wilson Malunga followed him asking for payment and the deceased instead of paying the money he grabbed Mr Wilson and punched him down.

“When the watchmen of Gateway Compus saw that Mr wilson Malunga has the assaulted they reported matter to Gateway Mall police unit and the Rank alone went to assist. When the rank approached the deceased he was also attacked by the same deceased and wanted to Snatch the rifle K2C,,from the officer, it was these guards who rescued him. Later the deceased went into the Bottle store hiding. The rank followed him and the deceased tried to snatch the rifle again but was accidentally shot on the left Chest by the rank,” reads in part the statement.

Meanwhile, the body of the deceased is at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH).