Police in Kasungu have shot dead hardcore criminals who is believed to be part of the gang behind the cases of roof cuttings and robberies with violence in the district.

Police in Kasungu have confirmed of the development in an interview with the press and identified the deceased Yusufu Issa, 21 who died while receiving treatment at Kasungu District Hospital.

According to Police, Yusufu and his colleague Gift Phiri were cornered on 17 May and arrested after being caught red handed cutting the roof of Mbamboyo Shop which also accommodates Airtel Shop.

“In the middle of the night, officers at OIB noticed that some men were at the top of the building in question cutting the roof. The officers then called their fellows at Nyika who together surrounded the building. When demanded to come down, the two jumped from the loof, over the face and started running away.

“The four police officers followed them and managed to apprehend Gift Phiri In attempt to apprehend Yusufu Issa, the police fired in the air but he couldn’t stop. Looking that Yusufu Issa didn’t want to stop after warning shots were fired in the air, Issa was shot on the leg and he was then arrested. He was taken to Kasungu District Hospital where he died later,” read in part the police statement.

Yusufu Issa hailed from Chibwanasamala village, Traditional Authority Kalembo in Balaka district while Gift Phiri comes from Chingale village, Traditional Authority Mlumbe in Zomba district.

Meanwhile, police are still investigating to arrest other connected suspects.