Police at Mirale in Blantyre have arrested three people for failing to comply with government set minimum price on farm produce and using uncertified weighing scales.

According to Public Relations Officer for Blantyre Police Station, Sub-Inspector Augustus Nkhwazi, the three were apprehended at Chadzunda trading center as they were buying maize from unsuspecting farmers.

The suspects have been identified as Ronneck Pelela, (22) of Khunju village traditional authority Somba in Blantyre, Patrick Thayo, 40 and Master James, 28, both from Lauji village traditional authority Katunga in Chikwawa.

Sub Inspector Nkhwazi said the suspects were buying a 50 kilogram bag of maize at a price as low as K6, 500 which is contrary to government recommended minimum price of K7, 500

Meanwhile, the police have seized 39 bags of maize which the suspects had bought and an electronic scale which they were using.

They are expected to appear before court soon after further inquiries, to answer charges according to provisions of the law.

In April government announced farm gate prices for strategic crops for the 2020-2021 agriculture season, with maize price set at a minimum of K150 per kilogram.