2 cops rob businessman K450 000, arrested in Chitipa

Malawi Police in Chitipa are keeping in custody their two colleagues, identified as sergeant Kaludzu and constable Zinjani, for assaulting a businessman and robbing him of K450 000 cash Sunday night.

According to Meston Chiona, 30, who narrated his ordeal from his bed at Chitipa District Hospital, the named police officers were aided by a watchman, Jastone Simbowe, 58, at Mupelachisa Resthouse – where he booked himself for the night.

“They assaulted me with a big wooden stick and got away with my K450 000,” said Chiona, of Traditional Authority Mwakaboko in Karonga.

Witnesses told Nyasa Times that Chiona had been found in a pool of his own blood before he was taken to the hospital.

The three will answer charges of causing bodily harm and robbery, according to Chitipa police.

A statement from Police spokesman in the north, Maurice Chapola has since condemned the misdemeanor of the officers and has assured the general public that “justice will take its course.”

It added: “The police further wish to inform the general public that it will not shield any officer who deliberately chooses to terrorize the same people they are supposed to protect.”