Blantyre Police Arrest Three Over Alleged Matola Robberies in M1 Road

Police in Blantyre have arrested three men for allegedly posing as matola operators and robbing passengers along the M1 Road and in Balaka.

The suspects have been identified as 24-year-old Gift Mbewe, 26-year-old Joseph Phiri and 25-year-old Lloyd Mpinda.

Chileka Police Station spokesperson Jonathan Philipo said the three allegedly pretended to operate matola transport, picking up passengers along the M1 Road and in Balaka.

According to Philipo, the suspects would allegedly lock the vehicle doors while the vehicle was in motion before threatening passengers with weapons and robbing them of their money and other belongings.

Police have since recovered a black Honda Fit, registration number CZ 10271, which they allege was hired and used by the suspects in carrying out the robberies.

Police have warned travelers to exercise caution when boarding matola vehicles along the M1 Road and in other areas to avoid falling victim to similar robberies.