The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) says it has commenced an investigation into the fatal shooting of a Polytechnic student, Blessings Nyondo, allegedly by a police officer on December 31, 2020.

Nyondo, 23, later succumbed to the bullet wounds after battling for his life for eight days.

In a statement, MHRC Executive Secretary Habiba Osman said the commission said it had already started a preliminary investigation into the matter when Blessings was still receiving treatment at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Blantyre.

“The commission decided to conduct a preliminary independent investigation into the matter considering that there are a number of human rights issues which were at stake including the right to life, but before the commission could proceed with its investigation blessings passed on.

“MHRC said there have been a conflicting reports about the identity of the shooter as some reports indicates that Blessings was shot by a police officer, while a statement from the Malawi police service indicate that it was actually a security officer working for the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC).

“It is the desire of MHRC that the truth be uncovered as who exactly pulled the trigger and under what circumstances,” reads the statement.

The commission has since asked people with relevant information that can assist the investigation, to come forward and report to MHRC.