Four Arrested in Chikwawa Over K1.8 Million Robbery Scam

Police in Chikwawa have arrested four men accused of stealing K1.8 million from a businessman after pretending to operate a passenger vehicle heading to Blantyre.

According to Chikwawa Police spokesperson Dickson Matemba, the businessman was travelling with the money to purchase goods when he boarded a vehicle at Dyeratu which appeared to be operating as a public transport vehicle.

However, Matemba said the vehicle was allegedly being used as part of a robbery scheme.

Police say when the vehicle reached Thabwa, the suspects stopped and ordered the businessman to get out, falsely claiming the vehicle would no longer continue to Blantyre.

After the victim disembarked, he reportedly noticed the vehicle speeding off towards the East Bank road with his money still inside. He later reported the matter to police at Thabwa, leading to the arrest of the suspects.

The suspects have been identified as Mike Chiphazi from Chemusa in Blantyre, Steven James from Mulanje, Bester Jere from Mulanje, and Enock Banda from Dowa.