Police in Salima are keeping in custody 11 suspects they arrested over alleged arson and vandalism at Chapola farm in Traditional Authority (TA) Kuluunda on October 27, perpetrated by irate communities surrounding the farm as protest against alleged murder cases believed to have been initiated by the owner a Mr Chapola.
During the protest, angry community members demolished some of the buildings at the farm, killed and wounded unspecified number of animals and went away with assorted items.
Salima Police publicist, Jacob Khembo said they have since arrested 11 people in connection with the case — two namely Tony Selemani Ndalama, 34 and Tendani Dominico, 49 on October 24 and nine more on October 27 in connection with the vandalism case.
He identified the nine as Meliya Big (30); Kamanola Kennedy (18); Chifundo Juma (27); Peter Bomba (34); Kenani Phiri (31); Kondex Kachala (34); Mphatso Packson (34); Yamikani Moffart (16) and Matola Mwamadi (36).
Khembo said the communities suspect that the owner of the farm had murdered a person after disc drops and a nonfunctional cellphone at the farm — which made them conclude that someone was murdered there.
