Karonga Police accused of corruption

As Malawians are still waiting to see how the new administration will fight against corruption, police in Karonga district are being accused of doing the malpractice.

The development follows the controversial police bail given to nine Tanzania men who were caught burning charcoal at Iyembe natural forest in the district. According to Karonga district forest officer Federis Nthenda they recovered 8 bags of charcoal from the suspects on May 16.

Nthenda said the police agreed that the men would remain in custody and the case should be continued after May 20 tripartite elections.

He added that during their meeting which was attended by the district commissioner and officer in charge of police, forest officers were advised to keep the bags at the right place as their evidence.

Nthenda complained that they were surprised to learn that the suspects were on police bail the development which brought suspension that the police officers received something from the former.

When asked about the issue Karonga police officer in charge Foster Mangani said the matter is in the court and admitted that the suspects were given police bail. However, Mangani denied that he received something from nine Tanzania citizens.

He claimed that the number of suspects was seven and one of them was the Malawian.

In his remarks Karonga First Grade Magistrate Chakala Nyirenda said the case was withdrawn by police.