The suspects that have been arrested found with the police unit’s door frames
* The arrests were made during an intelligence-driven police raid last Thursday night at Zumkutu-bypass
* Where the law enforcement officers also recovered two wooden door frames stolen from the vandalised police unit
By Japonicah Jabu, MANA
Eight men were arrested in Lilongwe on Tuesday on suspicion of being involved in the vandalism of p Chisiyo Police Unit where two vehicles were torch and some police equipment were stolen.
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The vandalism happened on June 17 when a group of individuals attacked the police unit after officers declined to hand over a murder suspect whom the sorrounding community members wanted to exact mob justice by burning him alive.
According to the Lilongwe Police public relations officer, Hastings Chigalu, the arrests were made during an intelligence-driven police raid last Thursday night at Zumkutu-bypass where the law enforcement officers also recovered two wooden door frames stolen from the vandalised police unit.
The police unit before and after the incident
The suspects have been identified as Wilson Maloya (21), Ishmael Mitengo (21), Zuzo Pedson (24), Blessings Dyson (21), Philmom Maupo (21), Aaron Wellington (32), Willard Jeremani (21), and Thokozani Makolija (21).
“The suspects are believed to be among a group of individuals who vandalised the police unit after officers declined to hand over a murder suspect whom the villagers wanted to burn alive,” Chigalu said.
The irate villagers then reportedly set ablaze two vehicles, vandalised the office structure — including water and electricity installations — and stole a desktop computer, furniture, and other items.
Meanwhile, Chigalu said the police have intensified investigations to apprehend more culprits and recover the stolen items and that the eight arrested suspects are expected to appear in court to face charges of arson, malicious damage, theft, and unlawful wounding.
Earlier Malawi News Agency (MANA) reported after the incident, Chigalu indicated that the cause of the incident came after two people were found dead on June 14, who were suspected to be a kabaza operator and a passenger.
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When the issue was reported to the police, the community members managed to arrest one of the suspects and handed him to the police but later the community members — most of them kabaza operators — went back demanding the release of the suspect so that they deal with him, but at that time, the police had already sent the suspect to Lilongwe police.
Meanwhile, the police keep warning the general public that it is against the law to take the law in their hands.—Edited by Maravi Express
