Police in Nkhata Bay have arrested four suspects in connection to the torching of houses during the fracas between Mkondezi and Msakanene families last month.

NkhataBay Police Public Relations Officer Sergeant Kondwani James identified the suspects as Jim Mukhonya ,28, Alick Kamanga ,22, Elias Chiphwanya ,40, and Achanda Mphande ,37, are currently in police custody for Arson.

James said following the fracas which happened on October 14 and 15, 2019, police have been conducting investigations which have led to the arrest of the four suspects.

People from Mkondezi in Traditional Authority (T/A) Mkumbira went to Msakanene in T/A Timbiri on October 14 where they wanted to arrest a suspect who stole some property at Mkondezi market a but unfortunately the targeted person shouted that he was attacked by thieves.

People from the area woke up to help their relative. Eventually a fight broke out between the two families but the Mkondezi people got overpowered that they had to retreat. Unfortunately one member was caught an was severely beaten and he died on arrival at the hospital.

On October 15 the  same people from Mkondezi went to Msakanene to avenge the death of their relative and another fight ensued leading to the torching of 21 houses and death of four people.

James said other three suspects are already in police custody for murder and were identified as Mavuto Moyo aged 31, Calvin Mhone aged 37 and Enock Moyo aged 23, all from Nthulinga village in Traditional Authority Timbiri in Nkhata Bay District.

They are connected to the death of the first victim known as Gift Mogha who was based in Mkondezi area and All the suspects have been remanded at prison as further investigations are in progress.