Nation Online

Chiefs shun funeral to feast

Their subjects were in mourning for a mother and son who had died in a fire, but they chose to attend a function in which T/A Tsabango was being elevated to senior chief by President Bingu wa Mutharika.

The group leaders from Area 22A in Lilongwe attracted the wrath of residents who felt their attendance at the funeral was more important than the celebration elsewhere.

“We do not understand why respected people like them should behave in this manner. Two people from one family dying, being buried the same day and yet they opt to go to a celebration? We are really disappointed,” said Johns Mate a resident.

Mervis Vutani, 32, and her 10-year-old son Junior Piketon’s tragic deaths spoiled the people’s post-Christmas celebrations.

Mervis’ younger sister, Linley, said her late sister told her from her hospital bed that her husband Maxton Njoka came asking for matches which he took to the sitting room. She said later she heard an explosion and a huge fire started.

“She was in her bedroom, but the child was asleep at the sitting room. When the fire started, she rushed to save the child but fire trapped both of them,” said Linley.

When the fire was put out, the two victims had been burnt from head to toe and were rushed to the hospital where the child died four hours later.

The two were buried that afternoon in graves next to each other, amid a sombre occasion.

According to the family’s landlord, Cassim Kalonga the fire started at around 10 o’clock at night a few minutes after he had talked to Njoka who came with a vehicle and some people in the compound.

Kalonga, who suffered severe burns on his right arm as he struggled to save the deceased, said the efforts to save the two were futile.

“Neighbours rushed to the scene to rescue the two, but fire had already engulfed the house.

According to other community members, Njoka escaped the same night and did not attend the funeral. Police have said he is still at large.