Media fraternity mourns Kanike

Journalists in the country have expressed shock at the death of fellow scribe Dexter Kanike who was killed by unknown robbers Tuesday nightat his house in Chirimba, Blantyre. Kanike, who once worked with Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) Television as a producer and video editor, left the corporation in
2009 and established a film and television consultancy, Visual Literacy Production.

Speaking in an interview Wednesday, Blantyre police spokesperson Elizabeth Divala said a group of unknown criminals broke into Kanike’s house, went straight to his bedroom and demanded money. “When he told them that he did not have money, the criminals shot him on the shoulder, stole laptops and cameras and left the house,” said Divala, adding that Kanike, 49 was pronounced dead upon arrival at
Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH).

According to Divala, post-mortem results from QECH indicated that Kanike was shot on the shoulder and the bullets trickled down to his heart, leading to his death. One of his friends and former workmate at MBC, Geoffrey Kapusa, expressed shock and sadness at Kanikes’ death, describing the deceased as a hard-working person who promoted gospel music through his programmes. “Kanike produced and presented Melody Hour while with MBC and the programme was enjoyed by many people. It promoted gospel music in the country,” he said.
Video editor from Times Group Ian Ndege described Kanike as his mentor. “I don’t understand why a life of a good person like Kanike who made me who I am today could just be taken like that, honestly I am confused,” he lamented. Kanike hailed from Kasina village in the area of Traditional Authority Kaphuka in Dedza.