Police in Zomba have launched an investigation into the death of 23-year-old Mary Hamba Nyirenda, an Assistant Lecturer at the University of Malawi, who was found hanging in her residence on Sunday evening, 19 July 2026.
Speaking to Capital FM, Zomba Police Station Deputy Public Relations Officer, Andrew Mwale, confirmed the incident and provided details of the preliminary findings.
According to Mwale, the deceased lived in Zakazaka, opposite Likangala Secondary School in Zomba City.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Nyirenda underwent surgery on 30 June 2026. On 18 July, she reportedly complained that her surgical wound had reopened after the stitches came loose, causing her severe pain.
Mwale said that at around 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, Nyirenda locked herself inside her bedroom.
After repeated calls from family members went unanswered, her uncle became concerned and forced the door open using an axe.
Upon entering the room, he found her hanging from a cupboard door.
Mwale added that the body has been taken to Zomba Central Hospital mortuary, where a post-mortem examination will be conducted to establish the exact cause of death. Police investigations are ongoing.
