Malawi: Police in Mzuzu have arrested suspected armed robbers in the district on Tuesday. The authorities believe that the arrested individuals may be linked to a spate of robbery cases in the city.
The arrested individuals have a history of criminal offences which brought them under the radar of the Police force. The seven suspects have recently completed their sentences for various criminal acts.
According to spokesperson for Northern Region Police, Maurice Chapola, the suspects have not been dissuaded from a life of crime. They continue to engage in robberies in the community.
As per the police reports, the suspects broke into and robbed several business places like shops and lodges. Further, the seven suspects have also been known to target the homes that belong to foreign nationals.
“These suspected armed robbers have been stealing in different areas here in Mzuzu City for the past two months. When we received the news about the burglaries, we promised to investigate and arrest the thieves. Now we have managed to arrest them,” said Chapola.
He urged Malawians not to hesitate to report cases of robbery as soon as they happen and provide tips of any suspects. The Police officers have shared the details of the arrested individual including their names and the communities they hail from.
The aim of the large scale arrests is to make sure that the people of the country feel safe in the community. The Mzuzu District authorities have been reporting an increase in the cases of robbery and armed violence.
The local residents have expressed their concern seeking government intervention. As a result, the response team for the Police force have redoubled their efforts to make the arrests and dissuade further incidents.
The police force has identified the suspects and listed their names in their official media communication. The suspects are:
- Chikondi Phiri, aged 45 from Mayaka Village, Traditional Authority Chikowi in Zomba,
- Bright Ben, aged 45 from Mphepo Village, Traditional Authority Wimbe in Kasungu
- Wested Taulo, Aged 40 from Sabwilabwi Village, Traditional Authority Paundi from Manica Province in Mozambique
- Masautso Kaipa, aged 32 from Mlandeni Village, Traditional Authority Mpamba in Chiradzulu
- Sam Petro, aged 24 from from Dongo Village, Traditional Authority Nsabwe
- Amos Petulo, aged 28, from Dongo Village, Traditional Authority Nsabwe
- Yankho Wonderford, aged 18 from Chalingana Village Traditional Authority Chaangata