Five foreign nationals arrested last Wednesday in Chikwawa over alleged illegal mining activities have been quietly released on police bail on Friday midnight under suspicious circumstances, raising fears that the case may be deliberately buried before justice is served.
The identities of the suspects are being withheld by the police, further fueling public concern over transparency and possible political interference.
Lawyer representing the accused, Noel Chalamanda, confirmed the release in a written response to one local radio station stating:
“The accused individuals are presently on police bail, and investigations are still ongoing.”
South West Police Division spokesperson Beatrice Mikuwa also confirmed the development.
However, investigations conducted by this publication reveal that the five suspects were released late Friday night following multiple phone calls allegedly made by “high-ranking authorities” pressuring officers handling the matter.
Police sources, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, disclosed that one of the arresting officers has since been instructed to distance himself from the case and cease pursuing the matter altogether , a move insiders describe as a clear attempt to frustrate investigations.
The controversial release comes barely two days after another case involving a Tanzanian national who was only fined MK1.6 million despite being linked to the theft of government medical supplies valued at over MK200 million.
Concerns are now growing that foreign nationals involved in serious crimes are increasingly escaping justice through political protection and behind-the-scenes influence.
Months ago, this publication also exposed a human trafficking case involving foreign nationals who were arrested but later released under similarly questionable circumstances. That case eventually collapsed without explanation.
Observers say the latest Chikwawa illegal mining case follows the same disturbing pattern: arrests are made, only for suspects to quietly regain freedom after intervention from powerful figures.
Attempts to obtain further details from Chikwawa Police proved unsuccessful. When contacted, the station’s public relations office said the matter was “beyond their control” and declined to provide additional information, including the identities of the suspects.
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