Armed robbers attack alcohol truck in Nkhata Bay

Four armed robbers on Tuesday attacked a truck carrying alcoholic beverages and went away with K4 million ($6,794.87).

Police are yet to identify the robbers who were spotted using a Toyota Corolla registration MZ 52 when they carried out their mission.

Nkhata Bay Police spokesperson Ignatius Esau said yesterday the truck, registration BU 3722 driven by George Kamzati, was heading to Mzuzu from Lilongwe.

Also on board was the company’s sales representative Vincent Mwagomba who was selling the alcohol.

The robbers are suspected to have been trailing the truck before it developed a fault around Sanga on the Chintheche-Nkhata Bay stretch.

As the driver and salesperson alighted to check the fault which they suspected could be the in the engine, the robbers also stopped and came out with guns demanding money, according to police.

The two surrendered about K4 million ($6,794.87) cash and the robbers sped off.

However, police have detained the driver and sales person for questioning and have also initiated investigations.

In recent months, Malawi has been heavily affected by cases of armed robbery and curbing of such cases has proved to be a challenge. Lives, including those of police officers, and property have been lost in such incidents.

National Police spokesperson Rhoda Manjolo said police are trying hard to arrests the suspects, but it is difficult for them to be present everywhere.

She said: “If we work as a team we can combat these crimes. It is very possible. I don’t see why we should not be able to do that. What is needed is for everyone to be involved. The public should inform the police about these people who own guns illegally and embark on robberies.” n