Three Arrested in Balaka Over Illegal Fuel Sale

Police in Balaka have arrested three individuals after seizing 180 litres of petrol that was allegedly sold illegally at a local filling station.

The incident occurred at Meru Filling Station (Ngwangwa), where a fuel attendant, Robert Magombo, is accused of selling the petrol to two vendors, Herbert John and Leonard Mtalama.

According to Inspector Gladson M’bumpha, who speaks for Balaka Police Station, the arrests took place around 11 p.m. following a tip-off from members of the public. The tip indicated that vendors were purchasing fuel in jerrycans—an act often associated with illegal resale or hoarding.

“Police detectives rushed to the filling station where they found that Robert Magombo, the fuel attendant, had already sold 180 litres of petrol to Herbert John and Leonard Mtalama, who are partners in this business,” said M’bumpha.

Authorities reported that the petrol was concealed in separate containers hidden inside Mtalama’s vehicle at the time of the arrest.

Magombo has been charged with failure to comply with lawful orders issued by authorities, while John and Mtalama are facing charges of possessing property suspected to have been unlawfully obtained.

Police say investigations are ongoing and have warned the public against engaging in illegal fuel trading practices.