Police in Chikwawa have arrested eight more people for allegedly setting ablaze Chapananga Police Unit and stealing property belonging to police officers stationed at the facility.

District police publicist, Sergeant Dickson Matemba told Zodiak last night that the eight suspects were apprehended during a joint operation conducted by Chikwawa Police and Mitole PMS Officers on the night of August 12th and 13th, 2023.

This brings the total number of netted suspects to 10, as two were arrested on the same day of the incident.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Yesaya Chipangula (20) and David Andrea (22) from Galonga Village, Tafuleni Yonasi (20), Malita Ephraim (49), Ephraim Halmiton (68), and Winnie Majonanga (20) from Mafazika Village, Maria Kelias (18) from Gagatambo Village, and Baziwel Matete (18) from Phwazi Village.

They all hail from Traditional Authority Chapananga in Chikwawa District.

Matemba said the suspects are expected to face charges of arson, malicious damage, and theft in court soon.

Meanwhile, investigations are still underway to arrest additional individuals involved and the police are assuring the community that everyone connected to the incident will be held accountable.

Chapananga Police Unit was set ablaze on July 25th, 2023, by irate community members seeking retribution for a murder suspect who was in custody.

The police unit was shut down immediately after the incident, and all the six police officers were transferred to Chikwawa police station after the angry mob ransacked their houses.