Police in Lilongwe have arrested six suspected dangerous criminals, all ex-convicts, who have been terrorizing various places in the district and beyond, committing a series of robberies targeting lodges, shops, and magistrate courts, among others.
According to Lilongwe Police public relations officer Inspector Hastings Chigalu, the suspects were arrested during an intelligence driven raid and ambush at Mpingu, on Tuesday night, June 11, 2024
He said they have also recovered a star pistol and three ammunition that the suspects stole during a robbery at New Dawn Lodge, 6 Miles, in the Capital.
The suspects have been identified as Alex Mponya, 38, Silvester Mponya, 49, Alfred Phiri, 53, Tobias Sendeza, 44, Gift Phiri, 38, and Gift Singano, 38.
“Following a series of robberies in the district, the station’s detectives gathered intelligence that aided in tracking down the suspects to Mpingu, where they were intercepted while planning to attack a certain target.
“During interrogation, the suspects revealed to have committed a series of robberies at Kicon Lodge in Likuni, Build Africa shop in Area 6, Natural Resources College, Chiuzira, Mchinji Magistrate court, Illovo Shop in Mchinji, and New Dawn Lodge at 6 Miles, where valuable items, and money were stolen, in addition to raping some victims,” he said
Chidaru added that the suspects, Silvester Mponya started committing robberies in 2002, Alex and Alfred in 2009, Tobias in 2008, Gift Phiri in 2017, and Singano in 2010.
“All the suspects, were at least once convicted and served various prison sentences ranging from four to eight years for commiting similar offences. They will appear in court soon to answer multiple charges of robberies,” he said
Alex comes from Chagunda Village, Traditional Authority T/A Kambwiri, Salima, Silvester is from Mbenje Village, T/A Mlolo, Nsanje, Alfred is from Maligwa Village, T/A Makwangwala, Gift Phiri hails from Kasamba Village, T/A Njolomole, Sendeza comes from Benesi Village, T/A Ganya, while Singano comes from Namale Village, T/A Ganya, all in Ntcheu District.
