Police arrest DPP councillor, chief over stolen LDF items in Zomba

Police in Zomba are keeping in custody the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) councillor, a traditional leader and five others for allegedly breaking into a store room and stealing 24 bags of cement meant for a bridge project.

Police spokesman in Zomba, Tomeck Nyaude confirmed the arrest of Zomba Ntonya councillor Lawrence Kika, who won on the ruling DPP ticket, village head Kaselema and five others.

“The cement was for the construction of a bridge that connects Zomba Ntonya and Zomba Thondwe under the Local Development Fund (LDF). We have managed to recover six bags only,” said Nyaude.

He alleged the suspects broke into a store room where the bags of cement were kept pending commencement of the development project.

Nyaude said the suspects are still in police custody pending appearance in court to answer charges of theft.

Some DPP councillors have of late been hitting headlines for being on the wrong side of the law such as theft and rape.

District Commissioner for Zomba Bernard Kansala could not say the fate of the councillor and the village headman, saying his office would be directed by a court ruling.

He however lamented that such behaviour retards development activities.