Thyolo Police Officer in-Charge Ulemu Kaluwa told Zodiak on Monday that the suspects have been nabbed following a collection of intelligence in the area, adding malicious damage case is hanging on their heads.

"It is true that police have arrested the people who are suspected to had maliciously demolished the police Unit. As police we will not condone the conduct which is total madness", Kaluwa confirmed.

He appealed: "people should forward their concerns through so many institutions, such as the chiefs, media, CSOs and multiparty Liaison Committee who can help them. This is because you will realise that these things are done by people who have challenges in thinking with the intention to eliminate the presence of police in the area and terrorise them".

The angry locals committed the alleged offence in May this year in protesting the death of a suspected motorcycle thief who was found hanging in the police cell at the Unit.

Kaluwa has since identified the suspects as Ngolwe Bernard aged 26,  Sahara Nasiba, 26, Lloyd Chinyama, 41, Mannes Issah, 30,  Lemiton Lusaka, 49, Johnston Musayiwa, 23, Abwino Ndazadala, 28, Charles Singano, 21 and Lyson Panulo, 23, all from Traditional Authority  Nsabwe in Thyolo.

However, it is still unknown on what killed the suspect in the police cell.