Malawi: Malawi's Human Rights Watchdog Demands Justice After Indian Shopkeeper 'Tortured to Death' Over Gold Theft Claims

What the report says

AllAfrica, carrying a Nyasa Times report dated 20 July 2026, reported that the Malawi Human Rights Commission has called for accountability after the death of Asif Khan, an Indian shopkeeper and former Sky Electronics employee in Limbe, Blantyre. The commission described the case as deeply disturbing and urged authorities to ensure a full investigation and prosecution of anyone found responsible.

According to the report, Khan, who was from Kurla in Mumbai, allegedly died on 6 July after being detained for about two weeks at Mudi Location in Limbe Township. He was reportedly accused of stealing gold and was allegedly assaulted repeatedly while being held. The article said he is survived by his wife, Aamina Rafik, and three young children.

The Malawi Police Service has confirmed that an investigation is underway, but National Police Spokesperson Senior Superintendent Lael Chimtembo said further details could not be disclosed because doing so might affect the probe. Nyasa Times reported that one suspect, Ghulam Mustafa Noor Ansari, an employee of Sky Electronics, is in custody awaiting trial before the High Court, while at least three other people allegedly connected to the matter are said to have left Malawi after Khan’s death.

The case has drawn public concern in Malawi, partly because of unproven speculation about possible illicit gold dealings. Those claims have not been tested in court. The commission’s intervention adds pressure on investigators to pursue suspects and handle the case in line with due process and human rights obligations.