Hunger stricken villagers accused of stealing sugarcanes from Illovo Malawi

Chief Maseya of Chikhwawa has bemoaned that the biting hunger is forcing some of his villagers steal sugarcanes from established large scale plantations mianly by Illovo Malawi.

The chief says it is unfortunate that seven of his villagers were arrested for stealing sugar canes from Illovo, Kasinthula and Phata sugar plantations.

“These people are not thieves but is is hunger that is forcing them to sin. We don’t have food here, it is the survival of the fittest. Either they have to steal and survive or not to steal and die of hunger,” he said.

Chikwawa police publicist Macmillan Nyirongo confirmed the arrest of the seven people.

He said all the seven were women and children.

Nyirongo said the suspects have since been freed on bail after spending some days in police custody.

Malawi is reeling from the worst hunger in recent memory blamed on el nino weather phenomenon that caused dry spells in some areas and heavy flooding in other areas.