Police in Mazabuka have recovered several items, including homemade firearms, mattresses, television sets, and a vehicle containing the firearms, from various locations across the district in Southern Province.
During the display of the recovered items, Southern Province Police Commissioner Auxensio Daka confirmed that Mazabuka Central Police Station had earlier received a report from a concerned member of the public regarding individuals in possession of suspected stolen property.
The report indicated that individuals at Kapufi Compound and Nakambala Market in Mazabuka were found with repacked bags of fertilizer in various brands, suspected to have been unlawfully obtained. The incident occurred earlier the same day, at approximately 01:30 hours.
Mr Daka said swiftly on the tip-off, police officers proceeded to the reported locations and apprehended a Mr. Given Musanka, aged 33, of Kapufi Compound, who admitted to purchasing unbranded fertilizer from Lusaka West at K150.00 per bag. He and his associates then repackaged the product into branded bags mainly United Capital Fertilizer and sold it to unsuspecting farmers at K750.00 per bag.
Seventeen (17) repacked bags labeled United Capital Fertilizer were recovered from Mr. Musanka’s residence, along with a portable bag closer (sewing machine) used in the repackaging process. He later led officers to the home of Mr. Butambo Chikwalila, aged 35, also of Kapufi Compound, where an additional fifty-two (52) repacked bags of United Capital Fertilizer were found.
Both suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting with ongoing investigations. The recovered fertilizer has been secured at Mazabuka Central Police Station as evidence.
By Helga Chibwe.
