Lilongwe Police have arrested seven suspects in connection to a series of murder incidents that have been taking place in Area 36 and surrounding locations since January this year.
The suspects are Emmanuel Banda, Wyson Stevala, Mateyu James, Gracian Banda, Brian Jeremiah, Davie Chinyama, and Chikumbutso Njaidi.
According to Lilongwe Police spokesperson, Hastings Chigalu, the murders have been particularly brutal and have left residents in fear. The victims include Bellington Mkumba, Peter Sam, and Stephano Loboko, who was sleeping in his shop when he was murdered.
“Since January this year, Area 36 and surrounding locations, have witnessed strange and brutal killings of people during night time. On March 7 this year, the suspects also brutally murdered Stephano Loboko, 27, who was sleeping in his shop and went away with two computers, welding machine and solar panel,” says Chigalu.
Chigalu confirmed that during their arrests, police recovered several items belonging to the slain individuals, including ATM cards, car keys, laptop bags, and other valuables. Efforts to recover some of the stolen items are still ongoing.
The suspects are set to appear in court soon to answer murder and robbery charges.
The news of the arrests brings hope to the families of the victims and the residents of Lilongwe who have been living in fear of the unknown perpetrators.