Police have arrested three people suspected of being behind a spate of attacks in Area 25 residential area in Lilongwe that left scores injured and others dead.
The Area 25 attacks and murders, which started early this year, worsened from around April and disrupted people’s livelihoods as business owners were forced to close their businesses early, thereby reducing their revenue.
But in the early hours of yesterday, Kanengo Police Station detectives conducted a special operation where a search for the thugs who allegedly killed and robbed people of their belongings led to the arrest of three suspects.
National Police spokesperson Peter Kalaya identified the suspects as Dyson Sinedo, 28, of Kaumbata Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Kapeni in Blantyre, Felix Magaleta, 26, of Likwakwa Village, T/A Sitola in Machinga and Adam Tsoka, 21, of Thawi Village, T/A Kaphuka in Dedza.
He said the trio will be taken to court today for committal to High Court and remanded while police finalise their investigations.
“Tsoka and Magaleta were arrested in Mgona, while Sinedo was arrested in Area 43. They were charged with robbery and murder in 13 cases, of which eight are robbery and five are murder,” Kalaya said.
Police vehicles drove around Area 25 parading the three suspects.
Following the news of the three suspects’ capture by police, Area 25 communities expressed relief and excitement while commending the police for the successful effort.
Tomaida Paulo, a resident of Area 25 who sells charcoal at Nsungwi Market, said the thugs terrorised their area and the whole community was under siege, adding she was hopeful that the arrest marks the end of the distressing period.
Another resident Thokozani Chipatiko also expressed relief, saying the attacks distabilised the community heavily.
In an interview, block leader for Area 25 Sector 8 aka Muula Village, Hermes Kapenuka, described the arrest as a relief, adding they will continue to collaborate with police and community security groups in enhancing security.
Meanwhile, Kalaya has aid the police will maintain its day and night patrols in Area 25 and will continue working with block leaders.
