Police in Mchinji District are hunting for a salesman for Kentam Products Limited on allegations that he intentionally set ablaze a delivery van he was driving.
Mchinji Police Public Relations Officer Limbani Mpinganjira identified the fugitive as Jacob Mtawali.
According to Mpinganjira, it
is reported that on March 6, 2023, the suspect was given a consignment of assorted medical drugs worth K40 million to be sold in Central Region districts using a Tata Van with the registration number BS 2017, White in colour.
On his way back, upon reaching Likasi Forest, Mtawali set on fire the vehicle using a petrol liquid which was pressed at the dashboard and rear of the vehicle intentionally, disguising it as accidental fire.
“People from surrounding villages immediately rushed to the scene and eye witnessed the event where the driver was spotted escaping while carrying a small backpack containing cash from sales.
“During scene visit, police recovered a 500 ml plastic bottle containing petrol liquid suspectedly pressed and set to explode inside the van,” Mpinganjira said.
He added that the vehicle and the assorted drugs were extensively damaged.
AvantNewsFlash