By Rahim Abdul
Police in Lilongwe have arrested a man suspected of stealing a Nissan Navara Double Cab belonging to a South African national after the vehicle was recovered in Dowa District.
The suspect, identified as Blessings Mbalangwe, was arrested by the Lilongwe Anti-Motor Vehicle Theft Unit following investigations into the theft of the vehicle.
Mbalangwe had reportedly been on the run after Dowa police detectives recovered the vehicle at Nyemba Village under Traditional Authority Msakambewa several days ago.
Central West Police spokesperson Foster Benjamin confirmed the arrest, saying investigations led officers to the suspect who was wanted in connection with the motor vehicle theft.
According to Benjamin, the vehicle belonged to South African national Nlosinathi Mathebula, who had travelled to Malawi together with Mbalangwe.
The two reportedly came to Malawi for a visit to a renowned prophet, where Mathebula was seeking healing prayers for his nephew.
Police allege that the suspect took advantage of the situation when Mathebula fell asleep at a lodge in Kaphiri.
It is alleged that Mbalangwe then took the Nissan Navara and drove away from the lodge without the owner’s knowledge.
The vehicle, bearing registration number KD 14 XN GP, was subsequently traced and recovered by police detectives in Dowa District.
Its recovery enabled police to intensify their efforts to locate the suspect, who had reportedly gone into hiding after the vehicle was found.
The arrest has now allowed investigators to proceed with further inquiries aimed at establishing the full circumstances surrounding the alleged theft.
Police have said investigations into the matter are continuing, and further details are expected as the inquiry progresses.
