The Police in Dowa District are keeping in custody two Malawians and 10 Ethiopians over trafficking in persons and illegal entry into the country.

Mponela Police spokesperson, Kaitano Lubrino, has confirmed the development.

Lubrino has identified the two Malawians as Alufeyo Mkwanda (Driver) 36, of Eneya Village T/A Kwataine in Ntcheu and Mathews Msopole, 27, of Mwahimba Village, T/A Kyungu in Karonga.

According to Lubrino, the suspects were arrested on Sunday, May 23 at an Adhoc police roadblock which was mounted along the M1 Road at Mthandi Village near Mponela Trading Centre.

He said in the course of duty at around 1:00 pm, a 15-tonne van belonging to Hals (Pvt) Co. Ltd which was heading Lilongwe from the direction of Kasungu appeared and they immediately impounded it.

Lubrino further disclosed that upon searching, they discovered a wedge built in the van from bags of rice, unshelled groundnuts, fish and the 10 Ethiopians were hiding in between the bags and were arrested.

The suspects are expected to appear before court soon to answer the charges leveled against them.