Police in Lilongwe on Saturday, have recovered a pistol that was loaded with six live ammunition, after intercepting two suspected criminals, both ex-convicts, who were planning to attack and rob filling stations in Lilongwe, before proceeding to Mzuzu with the same mission.
The suspects have been identified as Wilson Omar Bashir, 44, and Mike Majawa, 39.
Detectives gathered intelligence that the first suspect (Omar), was travelling in a minibus from Zomba to Lilongwe, while in possession of a loaded firearm, that was to be used for robberies targeting filling stations in Lilongwe, with his colleagues who were already in the city on a scouting mission.
Using the books well, at around 13:00 hours detectives went to Nathenje Roadblock where they strategically positioned themselves waiting to intercept him before he could reach the capital city.
When police stopped the minibus that Omar was travelling in, and upon searching him, detectives found him with a SUR/2608 Pistol, loaded with six ammunition hidden in his top attire.
After arresting Omar, detectives rushed to Kanengo area where one of his colleagues, Majawa, was also arrested while waiting for the first suspect to arrive.
Majawa revealed that he came to Lilongwe from Machinga on 26 April 2024 as part of an advance entourage that was tasked to scout filling stations targeted to be robbed.
Meanwhile, investigations are underway to arrest other suspected criminals who are on the wanted list, in relation to the same.
The suspects will appear in court soon to answer a case of Illegal Possession of Firearm and Ammunition, and Conspiracy to Commit a Felony.
These suspects are also on the wanted list of criminals who have previously committed fatal robberies in the Eastern Region.
The latest incident comes barely two days after police also recovered a pistol and eight ammunition at Mpingu Trading Centre on 26 April 2024.
Kasim Omar comes from Mbele Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Nyambi, Mangochi, and Mike Majawa is from Chisuzi Village, T/A Chikowi in Zomba District.
