Police in Nkhata Bay are keeping in custody two men for stealing a 250 Watts sollar panel worth over half a million meant for pumping water at the new police house construction site in the district.

Confirming the development in an interview on Saturday, Public Relations Officer for Nkhata Bay police station, Kondwani James has identified the the suspects as Ibrahim Somanje, 33 and Shaibu Mhone, 25 year-old.

According to James, the two committed the offence on May 30th , 2024 in the evening.

“On the said day, it was alleged that Somanje and Shaibu took advantage of the few minutes absence of the Watchman from the place. they zeroed in and went away with the solar panel in question.

“The suspect were found within Nkhata Bay Boma on May 31, 2024 selling the panel at a suspicious price that prompted the prospective buyer to tip the police,” he said.

James further said the matter was thereafter quickly followed and the suspets were arrested upon successful recovery of the stolen item and were charged with theft.

Ibrahim Somanje and Shaibu Mhone who both hails from Singo village, Senior Chief Mkumbira in Nkhata Bay are expected to appear in court on Monday, June 3, 2024 to answer the charges levelled against them.