UDF’s Ndanga arrested over UTM office arson
Police have arrested UDF spokesperson Ken Ndanga on suspicion that he had a hand in the petrol bombing of UTM Party offices in Lilongwe that led to loss of three lives.
National Police deputy spokesperson Thomeck Nyaude on Thursday confirmed the arrest, but could not disclose where he was arrested or where he is being kept.
He said: “All we can say is that we have arrested Mr Ndanga. He has been arrested within Malawi, but we cannot say where he has been arrested because we are still investigating the matter.”
Nyaude added that Ndanga is suspected to have had a hand in the petrol bombing of the UTM District Office at Area 24 in Lilongwe. The torching happened prior to the June 23 fresh presidential elections.
A security guard at the UTM Party office, Selemani Tambala, his wife Ayiles and son Shukuran, who were part of the family living in the office backyard, died several days later at Kamuzu Central Hospital from burns sustained in the fire.
Nyaude said at the time of the interview on Thursday, Ndanga was yet to be charged, as police were still questioning him.
Police have also impounded four vehicles that are suspected to have been used in the attack.
Unted Democratic Front (UDF) secretary general Kandi Padambo said the arrest of Ndanga was a shock to the party, adding that the party is keen to learn charges against Ndanga and the role he is suspected to have played in the attack.
He said UDF, like other stakeholders, condemned the bombing of UTM Party offices.
Padambo said: “When I got a call from the police on the arrest of Mr. Ndanga, it came as a shock. Of course, they have not told us what charge has been laid against him and the role he is suspected to have played. But we are informed the matter will be going to court tomorrow [today], so we will hear then what the issue is all about.”
Police earlier arrested four other people in connection with the UTM Party offices attack and death of the three people that were housed in
