By Vincent Khonje

Mchinji, December 14, Mana: Police in Mchinji have apprehended 32 students from Mphangala Private Boarding Secondary School, located at Kamwendo Trading Centre, on suspicion of being involved in a series of acts of vandalism at the school following a protest against the school management.

The incident unfolded on Monday, December 11, when students staged a protest against the school's administration because they were served food late.

The situation escalated when some enraged students began damaging and setting school property ablaze, prompting authorities to notify the Kamwendo Police Post.

Mchinji Police Public Relations Officer Limbani Mpinganjira stated that, upon receiving the report, the police promptly visited the scene, successfully dispersing the students who subsequently fled to neighboring villages.

"In the course of events, they damaged the windscreen of a Toyota Land Cruiser owned by Mchinji Police, registration number MP 2642. Additionally, school property, including electric cable wires, two mattresses, four chairs, four window frames, and one aluminum pot, were also damaged," explained Mpinganjira, saying the total value of the losses is yet to be determined as investigations are still ongoing.

Among the 32 arrested are Precious Steven, 22, from Kandaya Village, TA Simphasi, and Chikondi Nakaleti, 22, from Mlonyeni Village under TA Mlonyeni in the district.

The suspects are expected to face charges of malicious damage and arson in court.