Malawi police impound vehicle containing subsidized fertilizer

Just few weeks after the government launched this years’ Fertilizer Subsidy Programme, Police at Phalula in Malawi’s eastern district of Balaka are keeping in custody a 28-year old man for allegedly being found in possession of government subsidized fertilizer which was unlawfully acquired.

Balaka police spokesperson, sub-inspector Joseph Sauka says the suspect Lacks Kapinga who comes from Tsangano village, Traditional Authority Mpando in Ntcheu district was arrested in Balaka district after being found with 59 bags of government subsidized fertilizer.

“The suspect was carrying the subsidized fertilizer in a 2 tonner lorry registration number NU 7164 en-route to Tsangano. Kapinga said the fertilizer was bought from beneficiaries of subsidized fertilizer at Mgomwa village in the area of Traditional Authority Chanthunya in the district,” says Sauka.

He says Police has meanwhile detained the vehicle and also seized the subsidized fertilizer which will be tendered as evidence in the court of laws.

Sauka says Kapinga is expected to appear before court soon where he will answer a case of being found in possession of subsidized fertilizer unlawfully acquired which is contrary to section 329 of the penal code.

Last year, Balaka Police also impounded bags of subsidized fertilizer which was allegedly being transported to Tsangano en-route to Mozambique a development that disappointed the general public as the fertilizer is meant to benefit less privileged Malawians.