OG Plastics K6 million robbers arrested

Police in Limbe town have arrested suspected armed criminals involving in the MK6 million OG plastics heist.

The law-enforcers have also recovered two vehicles, Toyota Altezza and Nissan Note from the criminals.

The robbery happened on Saturday 24th October, 2015 at Maselema in Blantyre.

Deputy Commissioner, John Nyondo said they have managed to arrest the suspects following an intensive manhunt.

Nyondo said the suspects were arrested at BCA Hill where they were hiding and several items worth of millions of Kwachas which include furniture, electronics and luggage was recovered in the process.

A police officer, Sub-Inspector Yohane Mabutawo was killed by the criminals during the robbery while another officer, Constable Jailos Phiri was wounded in a gunfire exchange.

National Police Public Relations Officer, Rhoda Manjolo told Nyasa Times that Constable Phiri, who managed to kill one of the criminals during the gunfire, has been promoted to the rank of Sub-Inspector.

Constable Phiri shot dead hardcore criminal Ben Harawa who led the criminals that staged the robbery.

The criminals also injured an OG Plastics accounts officer, Muhammad Sami- currently admitted at Seventh Day Adventist hospital.

Manjolo said OG Plastics hired the two police officers from B Division Company to collect money from the company’s shops in Limbe.

“After finishing collecting the money, the crew started off heading to their head office at Maselema. When they entered into the compound, a Nissan Tiida which was following them also got into the compound.

“One criminal suspect jumped from the car carrying a bottle of acid and splashed it onto the face of Inspector Mabutawo. Later Constable Phiri sensed danger and fired gunshots that killed the suspect on the spot,” explained Manjolo.

According to Manjolo, this action forced other suspects to jump out of the car and picked the gun which was in the possession of the deceased suspect and fired at the crew that was in the OG plastic’s vehicle, killing officer Mabutawo in the process.

Constable Phiri and Sami were wounded in the legs.

The vehicle used by the criminals was later dumped close to Katimba CCAP Church in Limbe.