Police at Liwonde in Machinga District have arrested a Ward Councilor for Mlomba Ward, Alexander Cosmas Nkhoma, for allegedly stealing 588 bags of maize meant for Cyclone Freddy survivors.

According to a complaint filed at Liwonde Police Station, Nkhoma received 588 bags of maize meant for cyclone Freddy victims in his area.

Instead of taking the maize to the intended beneficiaries, Nkhoma diverted the whole track and sold the maize.

Police has so far recovered 579 bags of which 513 bags were recovered at Namwera in Mangochi District where he sold them and 66 were found in the truck while 09 bags are yet to be recovered.

The suspect has already appeared before court where he has pleaded to the charge of theft which is contrary to Section 278 of the Penal Code.

Nkhoma hails from Watala Village in the area of Traditional Authority Mlomba in Machinga District.

Meanwhile, Police is the district is warning duty bearers and the public against misusing and theft of relief items as the law will not spare them.