Police in Machinga have arrested a 26 year old woman, Miriam Goodson for allegedly being found with 147 containers of 20 litres each and six drums of 4,000 litres of stolen locomotive fuel which was pumped from a train from Mozambique passing through Nayuchi border in Machinga.

Machinga Police Public Relations Officer, Contestable, Davie Sulumba confirmed the arrest of Goodson and four men in connection with the locomotive diesel theft. Police received a tip from the public that Goodson was keeping 147 containers and six drums containing 4,000 litres of the locomotive diesel. The police were compelled to search in her house according to the public relations officer.

Sulumba said the police also arrested Roderick Kalulu aged 34 for allegedly pumping the diesel from a train that was coming from Mozambique. Overstone Musambale, 44, Elias Keyadi and Fabiano Khoman carried 147 cans to Goodson, he added. Goodson will answer charges of being found with stolen property contrary to Section 329 of the Penal code while Kalulu who pumped the locomotive fuel from the train will answer theft charges.

Musambale, Keyadi and Khomani will answer charges of aiding theft contrary to Section 278 of the Penal Code, Sulumba said adding that the three are still in police custody since August 25 while Goodson was granted bail because she has a baby.

High court in Zomba will try the four people soon, according to Machinga Police who recovered the stolen locomotive fuel that will be tendered in court as evidence.

Machinga Police publicist stated that Goodson comes from Michongwe village, Traditional Authority Kawinga at Ntaja in Machinga while Kalulu comes from Mpirinjala village, Sub Traditional Authority Mchinguza in Machinga. Musambane comes from Mchinguza village, Sub Traditional Authority Mchinguza in Machinga as Khomani comes from Bimbi village, Traditional Authority Kuntumanji in Zomba.mana