According to Kawale Police Public Relations Officer Mabvuto Phiri, Mthiko was arrested on February 18, 2023, in Area 24 in the city.
Phiri told us in an interview that the law enforcers were tipped by people who became suspicious with strange smell, which was coming from Mthiko’s house.
“The suspect used to conduct his business as a mobile vendor while roasting the meat on his charcoal burner around Area 24 and surrounding areas in the disguise of goat meat. On Saturday, February 18, 2023, Area 24 Police officers received a tip-off that they are sniffing a strange smell from the suspect’s house,” said Phiri.
The police publicist added that detectives went to find out only to discover that the suspect was busy doing braii (kanyenya).
“When asked, he lied to police officers that it’s goat meat for his personal consumption. But his confession that it is dog’s meat came in when officers discover skulls and fresh dog heads on top of the roof of his bathroom,” he said.
After his arrest, it was further discovered from onlookers, who have been his customers for a while, that the suspect disguised the dog meat as goat’s.
The suspect will appear in court soon to answer charges of offering on sale noxious food and drinks.
Andrew Mthiko hails from Kalumbu Village in the area of Traditional Authority Kalumbu in Lilongwe District.