Chikwawa Police Station Public Relations Officer Sergeant Dickson Matemba identified them as Macklaston Mpote, 24 and Charles Kupheka, 21 who were spotted slaughtering the animals at Chingalumba village near Majete Game reserve fence along the road during the night of yesterday.

“Well wishers tipped the Police about the matter and this prompted a team of Officers to rushed to the scene whereby on the way they intercepted a vehicle NOAH black in color with registration number PE 7980 which was being used by the rustlers and found with the six carcass of cattle in it. Further investigation by the police led to the recovery of three live cattle”, said Matemba.

He added that the two suspects were arrested on the spot while some accomplice managed to escape from the scene.

Matemba further says the carcass and the three cattle have been collected by the owner after a positive identification and investigations are still underway to arrest other suspects who are at large.

Macklaston Mpote, hails from Mvula village, Traditional Authority Katunga and Charlie Kupheka hails from Novo village, Traditional Authority Chapananga both in Chikwawa District.