Cop nabbed over five coupons

Police in Nkhotakota have arrested their colleague for allegedly failing to give a proper account of five coupons of subsidised farm inputs and a sum of K5 000 he collected from a man to purchase fertiliser on his behalf.

Nkhotakota Police spokesperson Kaitano Lubrino said the suspect is Phillip Mzumazi, 36, of Kwendakwina Village in Traditional Authority (T/A) Chilowoko in Ntchisi.

Lubrino said during the month of November 2013, the area of T/A Mwansambo in Nkhotakota had no subsidised farm inputs and this prompted Aubrey Mkwichi, 28, from Kajaliza Village to mobilise coupons from his relatives to buy the farm inputs at Nkhotakota Boma.

“Mkwichi managed to buy fertiliser, but he remained with five coupons and a sum of K5 000 following a stock out of fertiliser at Nkhotakota Boma.

“Mzumazi took the five coupons and the cash after they agreed that the police officer will buy the fertiliser on his behalf whenever the depot receives another consignment of fertiliser,” he said.

The police publicist said instead of doing what the two agreed, it is alleged that the police officer sold the coupons and used the money for his personal benefits.

“Earlier this month [January 2014], Mkwichi came and reported the matter to Nkhotakota Police and a case of theft, which is contrary to Section 278 of the Penal Code, was opened.

“The suspect was arrested on Friday of January 9 January 2014 and he may appear before court when investigations have been concluded,” said Lubrino.