Police in Dowa last night arrested nine people for allegedly operating shops outside permitted hours contravening Covid-19 rules and regulations.

The suspects, whose ages ranges from 15 to 35, were arrested at Nalunga Trading Centre and Dzaleka Refugee Camp around 18:00 hours to 19:30 hours respectively in Dowa District.

The suspects were arrested by police officers who were on Covid-19 patrols and amongst them, five suspects were arrested at Nalunga Trading Centre while four were arrested at Dzaleka Refugee Camp for operating shops outside permitted hours.

They will appear before court soon to answer charges of operating shops outside permitted hours contravening Covid-19 rules and regulations.