By Sylvester Kumwenda

Dowa, March 25, Mana: Police in Dowa have arrested 12 people for inciting violence, malicious damage, theft and arson of property worth about K6.6 million at Katsukunya Village, Traditional Authority (TA) Msakambewa in the district.

Public Relations Officer for Dowa Police Station, Alice Sitima, said the arrests follows a complaint lodged by one of the villagers, Lunia Mafikeni.

Mafikeni reported that on February 17, 2024 some villagers stole and damaged property belonging to her and her son, for the death of her nephew.

“It is reported that Mafikeni's nephew died in a road accident which involved two motorcycles at Ndunje Village and burial took place within the village. After burial, rumors started circulating that Mafikeni had killed her nephew through magic.

“This prompted the angry villagers to demolish both her and her son’s house and, in the process, stole cash amounting to K89,000, eight window frames, three goats and other items. They subsequently torched the two houses,” said Sitima.

She said police conducted intelligence driven exercise which led to the arrest of the suspects.

The 12 include 58-year-old Nasimelo Mvula, Elemia Banda, 18, and ten others aged between 19 and 22 all from Katsukunya Village, TA Msakambewa in Dowa.

The suspects, who are currently in custody, will soon appear in court to answer charges of inciting violence, theft and arson.