By Twink Jones Gadama
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPpst)-The recent arrest of notorious gangster Emmanuel Jonah, also known as “Nana,” and his accomplice Lilian Manda in Lilongwe has shed light on a string of criminal activities that have plagued the area for months.
The duo has been accused of masterminding a daring break-in at a Chinese couple’s warehouse in December last year, where they made off with 61 motorcycles and 84 bales of secondhand clothes valued at a staggering MK229 million.
Emmanuel Jonah, who had been on the run for two months, was finally apprehended at Luwani Estate in Neno District, where he had been hiding out. His arrest marks a breakthrough for the Area 3 detectives who have worked tirelessly to bring him to justice.
The investigation into the warehouse robbery revealed that Jonah and his fellow criminals had conspired with a security guard to gain access to the premises.
They then used a 10-tonner truck to transport the stolen goods to a safe location in Area 25.
The brazen nature of the crime and the sheer value of the stolen items sent shockwaves through the community, prompting a swift and thorough police investigation.
Lilian Manda, a 30-year-old woman from Area 49, was also taken into custody for her alleged involvement in the crime.
She is accused of receiving and selling some of the stolen property on behalf of Jonah and his gang.
Manda admitted to receiving nine brand-new motorcycles from Jonah, which she later sold in Nkhotakota.
Thanks to her cooperation, the police were able to recover all the stolen motorcycles in her possession.
The arrest of Jonah and Manda has sent a clear message to other would-be criminals in the area that law enforcement will not tolerate such brazen acts of theft and violence.
The swift and decisive action taken by the police is a testament to their dedication to keeping the community safe and bringing perpetrators to justice.
Emmanuel Jonah hails from Kampira Village, Traditional Authority Mbenje in Nsanje, while Lilian Manda is from Chongole Village, Traditional Authority (T.A) Mwadzama in Nkhotakota district.
Both individuals are now facing serious charges related to the warehouse break-in and theft, and they will have their day in court to answer for their alleged crimes.