Police in Ntchisi have arrested a 47-year-old grocery shop owner at Chunganiro Trading Center for conduct likely to cause a breach of peace after he allegedly tied a 12-year-old boy to a tree.
Salomy Zgambo, public relations officer for Ntchisi Police, said Bauleni owns a grocery shop at the trading center and on the said day, he opened the shop for business and later temporarily closed it to go to Ntchisi Boma to order more goods.
When he returned, he found that his shop had been broken into and some cash meant for change was missing. While searching inside the shop, he found a minor hiding beneath maize bags.
Upon searching the boy, Bauleni allegedly found K4,500 in K200 and K100 notes in the boy’s pocket. He then tied the boy to a tree outside his shop at the trading centre instead of reporting the matter to police.
Well wishers reported the matter to Ntchisi Police, who rushed to the scene and found the boy still tied to the tree with a rope. Police rescued the victim, who was in good condition.
Baulen of Sungachalo Village, Traditional Authority Malenga in the District remains in police custody and is expected to appear before court after completion of paperwork.
