Communities Loot Sugar After Truck Overturns in Nkhata Bay

Authorities have raised alarm over the increasing trend of looting accident scenes after a truck carrying sugar overturned in Nkhata Bay, with surrounding communities rushing to the site not to help, but to steal.

The incident occurred at Lwazi, where a Load Master Flatliner 30-ton truck, registration BU7542, belonging to Illovo Sugar Company and loaded with approximately 1,600 bales of sugar from Dwangwa, overturned while en route to Mzuzu.

Nkhata Bay Police Traffic Inspector Jimmy Kanzangaza confirmed the development and identified the driver as Horriable Ngoma from Mbulumbuzi in Traditional Authority Mpama in Chiradzulu, who sustained minor bruises after being briefly trapped inside the cabin.

According to police, only 25 percent of the cargo roughly 400 bales has been recovered so far. Kanzangaza expressed concern that people from nearby communities swarmed the accident scene and began looting sugar bales, smashing parts of the vehicle in the process.

“This is a disturbing trend we are seeing nationwide. Instead of helping victims, people are choosing to loot. This is criminal behaviour and must be condemned,” said Kanzangaza.

The police have since warned the public against taking advantage of road accidents to steal property, saying such actions not only hinder rescue efforts but also constitute theft under the law.