By The Forum

Four people have been arrested in connection with a plot to disrupt the September 16 General Election, the Malawi Police Service (MPS) announced on Friday.

According to an MPS statement, the suspects allegedly conspired to set fire to Mchesi, Mtandire, Chinsapo, and Mtsiriza markets in Lilongwe, and to block the transportation of election materials at Chingeni roadblock in Balaka.

Police identified the four as Geofrey Kamanyengo, Fanwick Kerod, Upire Mkulumba, and Ladwell Ligomeka, who were arrested in Lilongwe and Blantyre on Thursday, September 11.

MPS spokesperson Peter Kalaya said the suspects will face charges of conspiracy to commit a felony, and investigations are ongoing to track down their accomplices.

“The suspects created a WhatsApp group where they mobilised funds, recruited others, and strategised on how to carry out their plan,” Kalaya revealed.

He assured Malawians that the police are “vigilant and alert to thwart any sinister plot aimed at disturbing the forthcoming elections.”