Five Arrested for Theft at Mount Meru Millers Factory

By Alice Sitima……

Dowa Police have arrested a woman and four men for allegedly stealing 61 bags of soya meal cakes from Mount Meru Millers Factory in Dowa District. The incident occurred around midnight on January 6, 2024.

The suspects, all employees of the factory, have been identified as Alinafe Maliseni (25), a DOC operator; Elliot Charles (24), a contract supervisor; Pickson Longwe (41), a security guard; Wakisa Napolo (24); and Moses Ng’ona (43).

According to the factory’s security officer, Francis Zingunde, a well-wisher alerted him about the suspects’ plan. Zingunde immediately informed police officers assigned to guard the factory, who conducted patrols and caught the suspects in the act.

Police recovered all 61 stolen bags of soya meal cakes, valued at approximately K5 million. Of these, 34 bags had already been moved outside the factory fence, seemingly ready for collection by accomplices.

The suspects, who will soon appear in court on charges of theft by servant, come from different villages:

Alinafe Maliseni: Kwelekwele Village, T/A Kabudula, Lilongwe

Elliot Charles: Mphazi Village, T/A Kalumo, Ntchisi

Pickson Longwe: Masini Village, T/A Chitukula

Wakisa Napolo: Kawiri Village, T/A Mkukula, Dowa

Moses Ng’ona: Kanjala Village, T/A Mkukula, Dowa

The police have commended the tip-off and proactive action that led to the arrests and recovery of the stolen goods.