Man Arrested in South West Ethiopia After Printing Own Funeral Banner in Murder-Suicide Plot

Police in the North Bench District of Bench Sheko Zone, South West Ethiopia Region, have arrested a 31-year-old man who allegedly planned a murder-suicide after printing his own funeral banner. According to District Police Commander Inspector Zeleke Koshika, the suspect, identified as Malech Mitiku Geterasha, is a father of two children. The suspect sought revenge against an individual who had insulted him by calling him a "sorcerer." To carry out his plan, Malech pre-printed a mourning banner stating he had passed away, later telling police he prepared it so his family could weep over it. He was observed drinking alcohol and making threats in public with the banner before community members alerted the authorities. Police apprehended him prior to the act, and he remains in custody while investigations proceed.