Police in Karonga District are calling on fuel vendors to adhere to legal regulations and to ensure that their operations are conducted safely and responsibly within the community.
This appeal was made on Sunday, following the recent arrest of a 47-year-old man identified as Petros Mweso, who was alleged to have possessed and smuggled 120 litres of petrol.
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According to Karonga Police Public Relations Officer Margaret Msiska, on the afternoon of August 30, Police officers at the Lasha checkpoint had received a tip about a suspect named Mweso.
She said, “It was reported that Mweso was using a motorbike to transport petrol to the town of Chitipa. This tip-off prompted the officers to be on high alert for the suspicious activity related to the transportation of fuel in that area.
She added that, at the location, law enforcement apprehended the suspect involved in this illegal activity. During a search, they discovered six large drums, each filled with 20 litres of petrol.
Karonga Police stressed the importance of responsible business practices that not only align with compliance with the laws but also maintain the safety and well-being of the residents.
“I’m urging residents to monitor the area closely to ensure that any potential illegal activities are promptly addressed,” Msiska said.
The suspect is scheduled to appear in court to face charges for unlawfully possessing petrol without the necessary permit, violating Section 17 (d) of the country’s Constitution regarding the possession of certain substances.
Petro Mweso hails from Champhande village in the Mwenemahowe chiefdom of Chitipa district.
