Police in Thyolo have arrested a 28-year-old student from Malamulo College of Health Sciences for allegedly setting fire to an office at the institution on Thursday night.

Thyolo Police spokesperson, Sergeant Rabecca Kashoti, confirmed the arrest of Christopher Sale, from Matengule Village, Traditional Authority Mulumbe in Zomba District, saying he will appear in court soon to answer a charge of arson.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect went to the office around 10:30 p.m. and was seen by a security guard removing a louvre window before setting the office on fire using a bottle and matches,” explained Kashoti.

She said quick action by security personnel and students who were studying nearby helped prevent the fire from spreading to other offices.

“The guard immediately called for help, and together with some students, they managed to extinguish the fire and apprehend the suspect before police arrived,” she added.

According to police, several items were destroyed in the blaze, including 56 pediatric handbooks valued at K560,000, an executive chair worth K1.5 million, an office table valued at K1.8 million, and other office equipment — bringing the total loss to K5,052,362.

The suspect is currently in police custody at Makwasa Police Unit and is expected to appear before court soon to answer to charges of arson, contrary to Section 337 of the Penal Code.

Sergeant Kashoti has since condemned the act, describing it as both “reckless and criminal.”

“We strongly condemn such behaviour. Educational institutions are places of learning, not violence or destruction. The law will take its course,” she warned.