MANGOCHI-(MaraviPost)-Malawi Police at Masuku station in Mangochi District are keeping in custody a 27-year-old man, Alfred Alli Malinga, for allegedly being in illegal possession of 550 litres of petrol, which he was reportedly transporting without a valid permit.

According to Mangochi Police Public Relations Officer Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi, the arrest occurred during the night of August 6 at the Masuku Roadblock, situated along the busy Bakili Muluzi Highway.

Malinga was intercepted while driving a Toyota Sienta, registration number MHG 155, en route from Nselema to Chiponde.

Upon conducting a thorough search of the vehicle, officers discovered three large drums and a jerrican filled with liquid petroleum.

Malinga failed to provide any legal documentation authorizing him to possess or transport the fuel, leading to his immediate arrest.

Initial investigations suggest that Malinga is a known illegal fuel trader based near the Chiponde Border and was allegedly on his way to smuggle the fuel into Mozambique.

He is currently being held in police custody and is expected to appear in court soon to answer charges related to the illegal possession and transportation of petroleum products.

Malinga comes from Chiwuja Village, Traditional Authority Kawinga (T.A) in Machinga District.