By Phillimon Backson
Police in Balaka have arrested 40 people in connection with violence, looting and the destruction of property that occurred in the Mponda area of the district on Tuesday, Phillimon Backson writes
The suspects comprise 31 males and nine females.
According to Balaka Police spokesperson Gladson M’bumpha, the arrests follow allegations that 51-year-old Hassan Safili Obeya of Maloya Village, under Traditional Authority Nankumba in Mangochi District, trafficked a woman who runs a vegetable business in the area.
M’bumpha says the allegations sparked anger among residents, who subsequently resorted to looting and vandalism.
Meanwhile, police have recovered some of the stolen property, including refrigerators, mattresses, door frames, tractor tyres and parts, iron sheets, pipes, chairs, drums, tyres, crates and other items.
The suspects are expected to appear before court soon to answer charges of arson, theft and malicious damage to property.
