Police defies court ruling on ‘Zigubu’ fuel
Armed Police is Karonga on Wednesday confiscated a total 210 litres of fuel after the owners run away following a confrontation with them.
Police have in their custody 200 litres of Petrol and 10 litres of Paraffin.
The development is a direct infringement of a court ruling delivered in the district three weeks ago which argued that the current legislation does not provide for alternatives in buying fuels when there is a fuel crisis.
Northern Region Police Spokesperson Sub Inspector Norah Chimwala confirmed the arrest saying Police have gone on a manhunt for four owners.
Chimwala said the quartet has been charged in absentia with the illegal possession of fuel.
Karonga First Grade Magistrate Patrick Khamisa said it is absurd for Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) and the Police to expect people with two or more vehicles to take them wherever fuel is available within the country saying it is naive and nonsensical.
The Liquids Fuel and Gas Act restrict the production and transportation of fuels to licence holders but said the same Act also obliges government to ensure that fuel supply within the country is adequate, economical and efficient.
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