Police recover cars from Petroda robbers
Armed robbers who stole over K46 million and killed a police officer in Lilongwe last week, went on a shopping spree afterwards buying cars and other household items, police have said.
National Police Spokesperson Rhoda Manjolo disclosed in an interview yesterday that the law enforcers have so far recovered five vehicles some of which were bought using proceeds of the robbery.
Manjolo said police believe the thugs want to dispose of the money fast so as to leave no trace.
“We have recovered a Mercedes Benz, a Toyota Corolla VVTI, Nissan Tiida and a Toyota Hiace, among others. We have also managed to recover a number of fake number plates and rounds of ammunition which were being used during robbery operations,” said Manjolo.
She added that the robbers have also been caught with new laptops, TV flat screens and fridges among other household items.
She further said investigations have been intensified to recover the cash before it is all spent.
“Our officers are leaving no stone unturned and very soon we will be able to apprehend all of them. We are following a number of tips and we cannot reveal all to the media for fear of jeopardising investigations,” she said
When quizzed whether the police have made any headway in arresting a supposedly ex-cop who is reported to be the mastermind of the robberies, Manjolo could only say that there is no police officer among the suspects who have been apprehended and shot dead.
Following the broad-day robbery which shocked residents in the capital city last Monday, the police have arrested three suspects, shot dead two and wounded another in the crackdown.
Last week Friday, the police also gunned down four suspected robbers who the law enforcers believe were about to rob Kanengo Puma Filling Station in Lilongwe.
Meanwhile, Inspector General Lexten Kachama is today scheduled to hold a meeting with business persons in Lilongwe to brainstorm on how best to deal with the escalating incidences of insecurity.
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