31 villagers arrested for theft in Kasungu

Police in Kasungu have arrested 31 people from Makanda Village for allegedly damaging 12 houses and stealing property worth millions belonging to Msusa Zimba over land wrangle.

The incident occurred on Monday at Mphesi Village, Traditional Authority Mwase in the district.

Kasungu Police spokesperson Edina Mzingwitsa confirmed the incident and said there has been an ongoing land wrangle between the villagers and the family of  Zimba.

Previously, the matter was taken to court and judgement favoured Zimba, a an outcome the villagers  were discontented with.

She said the villages recently started causing havoc on the land, disrupting farming activities and damaged five houses.

“On Monday two people were arrested for the matter, which didn’t go well with the other villagers.

“In protest of their arrest, the villagers on the night in question maliciously damaged seven more houses, a vehicle and stole 80 bags of fertiliser, 40 bags of maize and household items in the said houses,” said Mzingwitsa.

Police rushed to the scene, arrested 31 suspects and recovered 70 bags of fertiliser.

Investigations are  underway to arrest the remaining culprits who are on the run.

The suspects will appear before court soon to answer charges of malicious damage and theft.