By Shaffie A Mtambo
Police at Chitipi in Lilongwe have arrested six people allegedly for vandalizing irrigation system and stealing of K70 million worth of installed equipment at a certain private farm in the district.
The suspects have been identified as George Watson, 25, Dikilani Chokazinga, 29, Richard Lyton, 40, Positani Gediyasi, 32, Samuel Banda, 27, and Chibvumbulutso Banda, 30.
The suspects stole two giant diesel generators, three phase water pumps, six solar panels, a water tank, and three phase electricity cables, among many more items.
Owner of the farm which is located in Njewa area, told police that the vandalism and theft of the materials have occurred between the months of August 2024 and January this year.
The suspects remained unknown during the commission of the offences, until detectives instituted investigations which unmasked their identities.
Following their arrest, the suspects led police to various places where they sold the stolen materials.
So far, detectives have recovered a 260 watt solar panel, irrigation pipes, metal door and scaffolds.
Efforts are still underway to recover more stolen materials.
George Watson hails from Kanyoza Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Ganya, Ntcheu, Dikilani Chokazinga, Richard Lyton, Positani Gediyasi, and Chibvumbulutso Banda come from Ching’amba Village all in T/A Njewa, while Samuel Banda hails from Kalolo Village, T/A Kalolo, all in Lilongwe District.
