LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Police Service have arrested one of opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP)’s suspected ringleader of the panga-wielding gang Erick Phakamisa and six others for theft and physical assault to Biwi residents in Lilongwe.
Phakamisa alongside Bruno Munlo Makina are in custody for allegedly hacking two victims at Lilongwe Girls Cemetery after abducting them from Kamuzu Central Hospital Roundabout.
According to police, the duo, together with eight others who are still at large, robbed the victims of two mobile phones, a pair of shoes and K270,000 in cash.
Makina and Phakamisa have since been charged with robbery and acts intended to cause grievous harm. All suspects are expected to appear in court soon to answer their respective charges.
This comes barely three months after Malawi Police arrested Phakamisa and two suspected ringleader of the panga-wielding gang that has been behind a series of violent attacks in Lilongwe and surrounding areas.
In a related development, five suspects have been arrested for allegedly inciting violence and committing unlawful wounding over the ownership of “mgodi” on Monday, bringing the total number of people in custody to eight.
Central West Region police spokesperson Foster Benjamin says the suspects, identified as Julius Gonani, Alex Innocent, Blessings Elson, Kondwani Binali and Jones Kang’ombe were arrested on Tuesday.