Soldier shoots himself, lover

Two Kamuzu Barracks soldiers, who were allegedly in a relationship, are battling for life at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) after the man shot his former girlfriend before turning the gun on himself.

The Malawi Defence Force (MDF) has confirmed the incident.

MDF Chief of Staff Brigadier Clement Namangale said in an interview on Sunday the man was not amused when the girl ended the affair.

Said Namangale: “What we have gathered is that the two, Gomezgani Gondwe and Lyasha Chipeta, were in a relationship, but irreconcilable differences made the woman to end the affair. Apparently, the man was not pleased and on Friday, he called for the woman outside the female hostels.

“It was during that time that after further misunderstandings, he pulled a rifle from his vehicle and shot the girl before turning it on himself. We hear they are in a critical condition, but of course the female soldier is out of the intensive care unit (ICU) and the man is in a better state than when he was taken to the hospital.”

Namangale said investigations are underway to establish what happened.

“We understand the man was on duty; hence, his being found with a gun. However, the use is contrary to what he signed for and as such, investigations by both military and civil police are underway. Once the investigations are done, MDF will take action on the matter,” he said

Chipeta’s sister, Chisomo Chidaya, said a bullet ripped through Chipeta’s back before coming out through her upper breast area.

“She is still on oxygen, but doing better as we are out of the ICU,” said Chidaya.