Police in Zomba have arrested a 39-year-old man named Wasili Mlewa for allegedly possessing nine cemetery crosses that are believed to have been unlawfully acquired from a graveyard.

According to Zomba Police deputy spokesperson Aaron Chilala, the incident took place on February 6 at Mapando village in the district of Traditional Authority Chikowi.

Chilala said that the suspect was spotted by some villagers who were mining sand along the Thondwe River and was carrying the crosses.

The villagers followed the suspect, who upon noticing their presence, threw the crosses away and fled the scene. However, he was later apprehended and referred to the Thondwe Police Post.

Mlewa is expected to face charges of unlawful possession of items and trespassing in a graveyard.