Blantyre police Arrests Two Over MEC Breaking In

Police have arrested two people suspected of being connected with breaking into Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) offices in Blantyre.

The incident took place a day before people went to polls on May 21, 2019.

MEC came out to deny that computers were stolen but insisted that only Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) were disabled.

Sub-Inspector Augustus Nkhwazi, Public Relations Officer Blantyre Police Station said initially three professional cameras, 54 ordinary cameras,10 MEC branded golf shirts and T-shirts plus K75,000 cash were among the items listed as stolen. 

One of the suspects is Adini Machinjiri, 34, who was released from Chichiri prison on January 11, 2019 after serving an 11-year jail term for robbery. The other is 25 year-old Cassim Silver.

Machinjiri was arrested on June 10, 2019 following a report made to Blantyre Police.

Nkhwazi said they have recovered two professional cameras and five ordinary cameras which have been positively identified by Richard Mveriwa, Deputy Public Relations Officer for MEC.

“Additionally, the police also recovered three sets of desktop computers which were stolen from various parts within Blantyre in similar break-ins,” he said.

The PRO said they are still working around the clock to trace other ex-convicts who are believed to have been terrorising Blantyre residents alongside the two.

“The two have been charged and connected to seven cases of breaking into a building and committing a felony at Blantyre Netting, Trade Fair, Atomic Hardware, Henry Henderson Institute ( HHI), Maone, Pride Commodities, Chirimba Container Terminals and Compu Signs.”

They are expected to appear in court after investigations are finalised.