Police in Lilongwe have arrested a 29-year-old man, Jeffrey Mchawa, on suspicion of stealing a truck loaded with 600 bags of maize, which he intended to sell.

According to Lilongwe Police spokesperson Hastings Chigalu, the suspect diverted the maize intended to be transported to Balaka and instead drove to Thete in Dedza District to sell all the maize.

They explained that the owner of the goods had authorized Mchawa to leave the maize in Balaka, and advised him to rest in Lilongwe.

However, the maize owner clarified that Jeffrey did not arrive at the agreed location for the handover, and his whereabouts remained unknown until the police investigation commenced.

After a thorough search, the police managed to locate the abandoned truck in Biwi triangle, empty of maize, prompting further investigation.

Subsequent police inquiries led to the recovery of 426 bags of maize in Salima, with efforts ongoing to retrieve the remaining missing bags.

Jeffrey Mchawa is from Mawuwa village, under Chief Mpama in Chiradzulu District.