Mulanje Police Arrest Three Suspects for Stealing Maize Meant for Cyclone Freddy Victims

Malawi - Mulanje Police Station has arrested a driver and his two assistants on suspicion of stealing a bag of maize meant for Cyclone Freddy victims, writes Comfort Bulangete.

According to Sergeant Innocent Moses, the Public Relations Officer for Mulanje Police Station, the suspects were identified as Peter Chimkango, 34, from Thomu Village, Mayeso Chimaliro, 25, from Ntikhe Village, and Yamikani Nansanya, all from Traditional Authority Nazombe in Phalombe District.

The truck carrying the maize was on its way to Phalombe but stopped at Chitakale to mill the 46 bags that were left at Chigumula in Blantyre after a power outage.

"It is reported that Phalombe District, Sukasanje ward in particular, has received about 297 bags of maize for 16 camps meant for Cyclone Freddy victims. Due to fallen electricity poles and cables, the area does not have electricity. Therefore, the Member of Parliament for the area, Nobert Mwina, and Councilor for Sukasanje ward, Lesten Kondwani, hired a truck to have the maize milled at Chigumula (Mulli's maize mill for free)," adds Moses.

The suspects masterminded the sale of a 50 kg bag of maize for K28,000 while the councillor was away from the truck.

The police were alerted by well-wishers, and upon investigation, the suspects were found in possession of the stolen bag of maize.

The suspects are currently in police custody pending court proceedings, while the remaining maize and flour in the truck have been released and will be distributed to Cyclone Freddy victims in all 16 camps at Sukasanje ward in Phalombe District.

The police in the district are warning that anyone found misusing donations meant for Cyclone Freddy victims will be arrested and brought to justice.

They say they are working tirelessly to ensure that all donations reach the intended victims.