Two arrested for being found with explosive weapon

Police in Mwanza have arrested two men for possessing an offensive weapon at Nkulumadzi ad-hock roadblock in the district.

Mwanza Police Public Relations Officer, Sergeant Hope Kasakula, confirmed the arrest.

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The two have been identified as Andrew Gauti Stephano, 31, and Justin Lewis, 30, both from Kunenekude Trading Centre in the area of Inkosi Kanduku Maseko in the district.

Kasakula said on March 25, 2024 at around 11:00 hours, the two were stopped at the roadblock in a motor vehicle they boarded on their way to Blantyre.

“During a search, police officers discovered that the two were in possession of Rocket Propelled Grenade and immediately Lewis fled into a nearby bush leaving behind the dangerous weapon,” said Kasakula.

He said this prompted the officers to investigate further such that they immediately arrested his accomplice, Stephano, who was still at the road block.

Kasakula added that Kunenekude Police Unit arrested Lewis later in the day after embarking on a hunt and was brought to Mwanza Police Station for further questioning.

“After being interrogated it was revealed that Lewis was the one who knew a lot about the weapon and had some connections in Blantyre where he was going to sell it at K1.2 million,” he said.

According to Kasakula, the two suspects claimed that the weapon contains a certain fluid which is on high demand in Blantyre.

Stephano and Lewis will appear before court soon to answer the charge of being found in possession of an offensive weapon.