K920m stolen through robberies in Malawi in a year -Police

Malawi business community has been robbed K920 million through armed and violent robberies in a year, according to a report of Malawi Police Service.

The report seen by Nyasa Times indicated that the amount of money was stolen at 31 different incidences which happened across the country from July last year to July this year.

The records indicate that Police has shot dead 41 suspects during the period.

According to the report, so far Malawi Police has managed to recover K550 million.

In the same period, the records indicate that 11 Vehicles have been stolen.

But the records do not indicate how many vehicles were recovered in the same period.

The records indicate that out of the 31 robberies linking to K920 million thefts, none has been convicted through the court of laws.

Currently, Constable Guta, who has five cases related to robbery, is walking freely on bail despite evidence of abusing his powers by conniving with robbers.

Civil Society Organisation (CSOs) grand coalition spokesperson Lucky Mbewe has said there is no investor who can come in the country while knowing that there is security lapse.

Mbewe urged government to invest heavily in security by among other things buying modern equipment.

“These robbers use sophisticated equipment so the question is where they are getting these guns?” queried Mbewe.

Police public relations officer (PRO) Assistant Commissioner Rhoda Manjolo asked for an emailed questionnaire which was sent but never responded.

“I haven’t received feedback from the department so in absence of the response from my colleagues I cannot confirm or deny about the report unless am furnished with that information,” said Manjolo.