National News

Police officer nabbed over MRA checkpoint fracas

Mchinji Police have arrested a police officer based at Namitete Police Post in Lilongwe and two civilians in connection with the vandalism of a Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) checkpoint at Ludzi Turn-off in Mchinji District.

On Sunday, some angry people, suspected to be smugglers, invaded the checkpoint and pulled down tents, claiming MRA officers were harassing them.

But on Wednesday, Mchinji Police Station officer Charles Mpezeni said they arrested the officer for obstructing MRA officials from checking his Nissan Caravan minibus, which carried assorted goods from Mchinji heading towards Lilongwe.

The tents have been re-erected at the checkpoint

He said: “The police officer used his personal car to obstruct MRA officials from impounding his minibus believed to carry smuggled goods.

“He instructed the driver to over-speed; hence, causing the minibus to overturn, killing the driver on the spot.”

Mpezeni said the suspect surrendered himself to police on Monday and has been charged with the offence of obstructing MRA officials while on duty.

He said due to the incident, some people suspected to be smugglers organised themselves and destroyed the MRA Flexible Anti-smuggling Team camp.

Police also arrested two people for malicious damage.

However, MRA issued a statement on Wednesday commending the police and communities around Ludzi

 for preventing the mob from extensively destroying the camp.

“The authority is grateful to the police for the professional conduct in handling the matter,” reads part of the statement signed by MRA head of corporate affairs Steve Kapoloma.

Meanwhile, operations at the checkpoint have returned to normal

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