Second suspect arrested in murder of Portuguese businessman
Malawi police said the second suspect wanted in connection with the murder case of a Blantyre-based Portuguese businessperson Serafim Fernando da Silva has been arrested.
Simeon Thom Salimu Milanzi, 36, from Gonda Village, Chief Ngabu in Chikhwawa was arrested last Friday after a vehicle they had been using to terrorise Blantyre got involved in an accident at M’bwelera Township in the city, according to Blantyre Police spokesperson Elizabeth Divala.
The vehicle they were using was a Toyota Corolla belonging to TNM and was stolen at gun point in New Naperi, Blantyre on May 27 2014.
Divala, however, said two of Milanzi accomplices escaped and are still at large.
Police spokeswoman said Milanzi is a “notorious criminal” who had been to prison before on charges of car hijacking.
Another man, 28-year-old Ziwani Jassi of Chiwalo Village, T/A Kapeni in Blantyre, was arrested in connecting with the murder.
Da Silva, 69, was shot at the entrance of his office in the township upon arrival from the bank where he withdrew about K2 million meant for his workers’ wages.
About five robbers reportedly driving a Toyota Corolla BS 9292 shot him in the presence of his wife and son and went away with K2 million.
The assailants are also said to have sprayed pepper in the eyes of the deceased’s wife in attempt to snatch her handbag which had the stolen cash.
Da Silva was a renowned contractor and an employee of Terrastone Construction Company.
