Police warn kachasu distillers

Lumbadzi Police Station in Lilongwe has warned that it will arrest kachasu (local distilled liquor) distillers who flout Covid-19 preventive measures.

The warning follows the arrest of two distillers for allegedly disregarding operating time limit in line with the gazetted laws.

Speaking yesterday at Dzoole Village in Traditional Authority Mkukula, Lumbadzi Police Station community policing coordinator Jane Mkangala said local brewers should take a leading role to contain the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“You should operate businesses within the stipulated time from 2pm to 8 pm or else, you will be arrested and fined in court,” she said.

Mkangala also urged the brewers to encourage their clients to wear face masks and observe social distancing.

“This will protect you and your clients from the pandemic,” she said.

Rose Bvumbwe, who runs Njolomole Kachasu Joint, commended the police for the warning.

“We will comply with the measures to contain the further spread of the virus,” she said.

Mabvuto Fombe, (not real name), a client, pledged to patronise kachasu selling points between 2pm and 8pm.

“I will also not spend much time at the place to reduce congestion,” he said.

Due to the soaring cases of Covid-19, government directed that all bars and beer drinking places operate between 2pm and 8pm.

On Sunday, the country registered 956 positive Covid-19 cases and Lilongwe registered 199 cases.