2 in for burning police unit
Police in Chikwawa District have arrested two people suspected to have burned Chapananga Police Unit, damaged police houses and stole various properties.
Chikwawa Police Station spokesperson Dickson Matemba said the duo were spotted during a fracas that ensued when people around Chapananga Trading Centre invaded the police formation to demand the release of a man suspected to have murdered 18-year-old Chimwemwe Hamilton from Garonga Village in Senior Chief Chapananga in the district
Matemba said the mob resorted to violence after learning that the suspect was transferred to Chikwawa Police Station.
He said the mob blocked the road with logs and stones.
“The mob torched the police unit and looted various properties. It had to take police reinforcements from Chikwawa Police Station and Mitole Police Mobile Service to calm the situation,” said Matemba.
In 2017, communities in Shire River’s East Bank in the district also torched Makhuwira Police Unit.
However, Senior Chief Chapananga has condemned the act, saying it will contribute to security lapses in the area.
“It was worrisome that people were in conflict with the police who protect us and our properties. I have ordered that all who took the law in their own hands should be arrested,” he said.
The senior chief suggested that the police officers at the facility should be relocated for safety while they renovate the structure.
“We don’t want to live without security because we border Mozambique; hence, the need for security,” said Chapananga.
