Mchinji Police have arrested a 35-year-old teacher, Owen Banda, of Chimwamkango General Farming Primary School, for allegedly defrauding the Mega Farms loan project.

According to police spokesperson Limbikani Mpinganjira, Banda falsely claimed ownership of a 20-hectare plot to secure farm inputs worth K43,142,400. The inputs included 256 bags of NPK and Urea, 800 kg of certified maize seed, 128 liters of Hannes, and 128 liters of Round Up chemicals.

Instead of utilizing the inputs for farming, Banda was found selling them at his shop. Authorities managing the loan project grew suspicious and reported him to Mkanda Police Post, leading to his arrest.

Banda is in custody at Mchinji Police Station and will face fraud charges. Police are actively working to recover the stolen farm inputs.