CHAMA - An NRPUP aspiring councillor and three other people are alleged to have offered voters K20 and packets of salt in exchange for their voters' cards in Chama District.
The incident reportedly occurred around 12:00 hours on Saturday in Sitwe Village, where the group was allegedly moving from voter to voter offering money and salt in exchange for voters' cards.
The aspiring councillor, Jackson Chilembo, was reportedly in the company of Jacob Chilembo, Rabson Mukisi and another man identified only as Kamutowa when they were allegedly found conducting the exchange.
The matter was reported to police by 41-year-old Jairos Mwandila of Sitwe Village, who is also an aspiring UPND councillor for Sitwe Ward.
According to Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba, Mr. Mwandila received information from Sitwe Village Ward Member Nyirenda Bozo that some people were offering registered voters money and salt in exchange for their voters' cards.
Mr. Mwandila reportedly sent UPND members Gibson Mkandawire and Thomas Mukalama to verify the information.
Police said the two found Mr. Chilembo and his colleagues allegedly exchanging the items for voters' cards. The group had reportedly already convinced some villagers to surrender their cards and were found in possession of 31 packets of salt.
Among those reported to have surrendered their voters' cards were Sara Nyirenda, Justina Nyimbili, Alfred Nyimbili and Bozo Nyimbili.
The packets of salt were subsequently confiscated and taken to Chama Police Station.
Mr. Mweemba said the matter was reported at Chama Police Station around 12:00 hours yesterday, where a docket was opened.
However, no arrests have been made as the suspected offenders are reportedly on the run.
"No arrest has been made yet as the suspects are on the run," Mr. Mweemba said.
The police commanding officer said officers have since launched a manhunt for the suspects as investigations continue.
Source: Kalemba