Tanzanian national arrested in Malawi for illegal maize exportation

Police in northern Malawi district of Karonga have arrested a 44-year-old Tanzanian national for allegedly attempting to export 1 200 bags of maize to Tanzania.

Karonga Police spokesperson Enock Livasoni on Monday identified the suspect as Patrick Mwinuka. He said Mwinuka was arrested on October 21 2012 at Iponga Roadblock, ferrying the maize in two Tanzanian trucks registrations T696 ASS/ T669 AUA and T799 AUS/ T236 AUU.

Livasoni said when the trucks reached Iponga, the drivers told police officers that they were carrying sun flower residues.

“The police officers conducted a search in the two trucks and found few bags of sunflower in both trucks, but the rest were bags of maize each weighing 90 kilogrammes,” Livasoni said.

He said Mwinuka said he was transporting the maize to Tanzania, but did not have any export document or permit.

Mwinuka is charged with attempting to export farm produce without permit.

Mwinuka comes from Mwalusanje Village in Mbeya District, Tanzania.—Mana