By Leah Malimbasa

Chikwawa, April 16, Mana: Police in Chikwawa have arrested two Chinese nationals, Allen Cheng, 37 and Peng Yongqia, 35 for allegedly assaulting their employee on suspicion of stealing fuel.

According to Deputy Public Relations Officer for the district, Constable Chancy Mfune, the victim has been identified as Silaj Maluwa, 37 who is a resident of Sadulo Village under Traditional Authority (TA) Katunga in Chikwawa and works as a machine operator at Sinohydro Construction Company.

“On April 14, 2024, Maluwa was at a canal construction site, part of the Shire Valley Transformation project, where he was accused of fuel theft from the machine he operated, leading to the alleged assault,” he said.

Maluwa was discovered unconscious by colleagues along the earth road connecting to the camp where he works.

“He was subsequently taken to Chikwawa District Hospital for treatment and is currently hospitalized with a left arm fracture, as reported by health practitioners,” Mfune stated, adding that Chikwawa Police’s Criminal Investigation Department conducted preliminary investigations, resulting in the arrest of the two suspects.

“The suspects remain in Police custody and will face charges of Acts Intended to Cause Grievous Harm in court soon,” he said.