Malawi’s ruling PP aspirant arrested for armed robbery
A ruling People’s Party aspirant for Chibanja ward in Mzuzu is in Police custody on allegations that he was the master minder of a series of armed robberies that rocked Mapale suburbs in Mzuzu.
Northern Police Publicist Inspector Norah Chimwala confirmed the arrest of ex-Soldier Jack Mande aged 36 of Kachere Village Traditional Authority, Tengani, Nsanje district.
Mande is known for his charisma and operates popular drinking joint called Soldier’s corner at Chibanja.
His two accomplices, Kelvin Idrissa, 30 of Chibwana Village Traditional Authority Kalembo, Balaka District and Mike Mapila, 25 of Moses Village, Traditional Authority Chamba, Machinga district, are already serving 14 years jail terms each for robbery with violence contrary to section 301 (2) of the Penal Code.
Police slapped Mande with the same charge but he pleaded not guilty. His request for bail was denied and remains in Police custody awaiting a full trial.
According to Police the trio on the night on November 10, 2013 robbed an Indian national Vemi Reddy Satish of eight cell phones, one laptop and cash K2,450,000.
PP District Governor for Mzuzu James Kanyuka said Mande will be welcomed to the party if courts exonerate him.
“Otherwise as he awaits trial he is not our member,” Kanyuka said.
PP recently made a stand that it will flush-out all members tainted with criminal cases.–MEC Stringer
