A councillor in Mangochi is in Police custody over MK2.8 million cash he reported to police to have been stolen from him.

Police in Mangochi confirmed of the development in an interview with the press and identified the councillor as Shadreck Banda.

Banda is said to have reported to Police that thieves broke into his room at a lodge in Mangochi and stole the money meant for development project in his area.

Mangochi police station Officer Elijah Kachikuwo said Banda has been detained because of the circumstances surrounding the stolen money.

“Why is it that he took all that money and decided to put up at a lodge? How does the Mangochi district council disburse development money, does the council give to a single person like thar? There are several unanswered questions,” he said.

Kachikuwo said it was surprising that council officials say they did not give the councillor the money.

Meanwhile Police are yet to recover the stolen money.