Three men in Thyolo have been arrested for allegedly demanding extra money to access fertilizer under the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) at the Makwasa selling point.

The South East Police Spokesperson, Edward Kabango, reported that the first suspect, Brighton Manyowa, 45, from Ndauza village, Senior Chief Khwethemule, was apprehended following a complaint about overcharging.

Brighton then disclosed the involvement of the other two suspects, Grant Matope (37), from Likwakwanda village, and Alex Jonasi (41), from Ndinyaza village.

The suspects were found in possession of K155,900, suspected to have been stolen, leading to charges of obtaining money by false pretense.

The arrests come amid efforts to curb fraudulent activities in the distribution of agricultural inputs.