MZUZU POLICE APPREHEND MEC TRICKERS

By Blessings Kumwenda

Four people are behind bars at Mzuzu Police Station for allegedly soliciting money from Mzuzu residents enticing them of being employed as Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) monitors in next year’s tripartite elections.

Mzuzu Police Public Relations Officer Sergeant Maurice Chapola said the four were arrested Tuesday.

The four suspects are Chingola Chirwa 45, of Manolo Village Traditional Authority Timbiri in Nkhatabay, Chimwemwe Gondwe 23, of Katumbi Village Traditional Authority Kafuzira in Nkhota-kota, Gift Banda 18, of Traditional Authority Chikulamayembe in Rumphi and Edson Ulaya 22 of Mtanila Village Traditional Authority Chakhaza in Dowa District.

According to Sergeant Maurice Chapola it is alleged that MEC heard rumors that the suspects were receiving K500.00 from the residents after enticing them that they will be employed as MEC monitors ahead of the forthcoming tripartite elections.

On Tuesday, the 6^th of this month at around 9 o’clock officials from the electoral body were out for hunt to establish the truth on the fast spread rumor.

It is reported that the group found the four suspects busy obtaining money from the citizens who showed willingness to be employed as MEC monitors.

Amongst the suspects, were a cashier and photographer taking identity cards photos.

According to Mzuzu Police Public Relations Officer, the residents were cheated that they will be given MEC identity cards upon employed.

Confirmed reports indicate that 194 people have been robbed by the suspects.

According to records by the police, the suspects managed to raise K78, 300 from the people the y managed to deceive.

It is reported that the four suspects committed the offence between the 4^th and 6^th this month at Katoto residential area.

They have since been charged with the offence of obtaining money by false pretence contrary to section 319(1) of the penal code which attracts a maximum sentence of seven years imprisonment with hard labor and are expected to appear before court soon.

 Meanwhile police have appealed to Mzuzu residents not to be tricked by such people who are taking advantage of the forthcoming tripartite elections to achieve their interests by robbing them. Police has also urged the residents to report such cases to them.

This development comes barely few weeks when another man was also arrested in the city for selling fake MEC identity cards.