Tributes are pouring in following the passing of former Deputy Inspector General of Police, John Nyondo, who died yesterday at the age of 65 at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe, where he was receiving treatment for a stomach illness.

Nyondo, who served as Deputy IG responsible for operations until his retirement in 2019, is being remembered as a dedicated and professional officer who played a pivotal role in upholding law and order during critical moments in Malawi’s recent history.

Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) Chairperson Gift Trapence, who worked closely with Nyondo during the 2018–2019 anti-Jane Ansah protests, praised him for his integrity and commitment.

“He was a professional, honest, and dedicated police officer who used his position to champion human rights,” said Trapence.

National Police spokesperson Peter Kalaya told Zodiak Online that Nyondo’s leadership was instrumental in the success of several police operations during the politically tense 2018–2019 demonstrations.

Said Kalaya, “Nyondo was a committed officer whose leadership contributed to the success of several police operations during the 2018–2019 demonstrations.”

Born on 9 September 1960, Nyondo joined the Malawi Police Service in 1983. Over the decades, he rose through the ranks, ultimately being appointed Deputy Inspector General responsible for operations — a position he held with distinction until his retirement in 2019.

According to family representative Alexander Mwamulima, the remains of the late John Nyondo, who is survived by five children and several grandchildren, will be laid to rest tomorrow, Thursday, at Nakasinde Village, Traditional Authority Mwabulambia in Chitipa District.