Malawi: Police Arrest Three Suspects in the Hijack of 113 Bales of Tobacco in Kusungu

Source from:  Malawi News Agency 06/23/2014

Three men are in Police custody in Kasungu in connection with 113 bales of burley tobacco which were hijacked at Lisasadzi when they were being transported to Chinkhoma Auction Floors on the night of 27th May 2014 at around 7:30pm.

However, the 113 bales of tobacco have not yet been recovered even though the 15 tonner ERF truck, registration number KU 4107 belonging to Elias Nawazi which was ferrying the tobacco belonging to farmers under the National Small Holder Farmers Association of Malawi (NASFAM) Kasungu office was recovered the following morning of the robbery and is still under police custody.

Speaking to Mana on Thursday, Kasungu Police Officer in Charge (O.C), John Nyondo said police investigations have managed to net the three suspects who are now behind the bars waiting to appear before court soon.

"The three men got a lift (matola) from the driver of the truck at Nyika Bakery in town. But on their way when they reached Lisasadzi, they attacked the driver and later hijacked the truck. In the long run, off loaded the total 113 bales of burley tobacco to unknown destination," he explained.

Previous police reports indicate that, the robbers drove the vehicle to Ngala near Bua River where they left the driver with the empty truck whilst the driver was tightened to the vehicle seat until members of the surrounding villages discovered him and later reported to police.

The driver of the vehicle, Fanuel Kamanga was arrested the same day pending investigations.

"The three suspects have been arrested after successful investigations, plus the driver of the said vehicle, all are in the cooler. So soon we would be taking them to court," he said.

The three suspects are Tonny Banda, 23, from Balango'mbe Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Chimutu in Lilongwe; Stephano Galima 25 years, Kavunye Village, T/A Nchilamwera in Thyolo and Sheckeman Mc Kenzie, 50, Nthanga Village, T/A Dzoole in Dowa. Enditem