By Chimwemwe Mphande, MANA
Police in Machinga have arrested 19 people for allegedly vandalizing and stealing property from Ulongwe Solar powered Irrigation Scheme.
Last month, angry people from the Traditional Authority Nyambi in the district destroyed and stole property from a K55 million worth of the newly constructed irrigation scheme, claiming the scheme was causing children to faint.
In an interview with Mana, Deputy Public Relations Officer for Machinga Police Station, Sergeant Ngwashape Msume confirmed the arrest of the 19 suspects.
She said the suspects were arrested on April 14, after following up on the incident that happened on March 23, 2020 at Ulongwe Irrigation Scheme.
“It is alleged that the suspects from Nyambi area went to Ulongwe Irrigation Scheme where they vandalized and stole items worth K55 million,” said Msume.
She said the suspects vandalized and stole solar installations, two water pumps, solar panels, two batteries, two charging systems, four wheelbarrows, galvanized pipes and other assorted items.
“During the arrest, police recovered some of the items which include water pump, solar panel, wheelbarrow, four shovels and galvanized pipes,” said Msume.
The arrested suspects will appear before court soon to answer the charges of malicious damage and theft, according to Msume.
Meanwhile, police have launched a manhunt for other suspects who are currently at large.
