Mangochi Police Station Public Relations Officer Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi said it is reported that the owner of the private cottage, who resides in Blantyre, decided to renovate the property in November 2023. He brought various building materials, which were stored in one of the storerooms. However, the project was disrupted and eventually abandoned due to flash floods that affected many areas along the lake.

Taking advantage of the situation, the suspect allegedly began stealing and selling various new and old materials since he was left alone at the cottage.

On 26 August 2024, after the floods, the owner visited the site and discovered that some items were missing. The missing items included boxes of tiles, air conditioners, iron sheets, wooden beds, flush doors, wooden doors, door frames, mattresses, water pumps, and various kitchen utensils.

The matter was reported to Mangochi Police Station, where a team of detectives initiated investigations that led to the suspect’s arrest.

During interrogation, the suspect revealed that he had sold the items to various people and led the detectives to the locations where some of the stolen property was recovered. This included 64 iron sheets, 946 tiles, five flush doors, five air conditioners, three mattresses, seven wooden beds, two water pumps, and assorted kitchen utensils worth K20 million.

Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing to recover the remaining items.

The suspect will appear in court soon to answer the charge of theft by servant, which is contrary to Section 286 of the Penal Code.

Smith White hails from Chikunda Village, Traditional Authority Mponda, in the district.

Stolen Items: