By Albert Mulizakamba

Balaka, November 24, Mana: Police in Balaka District have apprehended three individuals identified as Mailosi Thole, 42, Francis Banda, 44 and John Akambwiri, 36 in connection with the theft of bags of maize, fertilizer and bales of sugar from a motor vehicle.

Confirming the development, Balaka Police Station Deputy Public Relations Officer, Sergeant Mphatso Munthali said the incident took place during the night of October 4 to 5, 2024 along the Chingeni-Liwonde Road.

"The arrests were made during a targeted operation in the district whereby a truck driver Patrick Awali was transporting fertilizer, maize and other assorted items and he noticed upon reaching Liwonde that his truck had been tampered with," he said.

"A subsequent check revealed that an unspecified number of bags of maize, fertilizer and other items were missing," he said.

Munthali added that the incident was later reported to Balaka Police Station and through diligent intelligence gathering; the three suspects were arrested on November 22, 2024.

Meanwhile, police have recovered nine bags of maize, 11 bags of fertilizer and six bales of sugar, all valued at K1,600,000.

All suspects hail from Khozi Village in the area of Traditional Authority Makwangwala in Ntcheu District and they are expected to appear in court soon to face charges related to the theft.