United Transformation Movement (UTM) Regional Secretary for the North Jane Mbale has been suspended for allegedly using party vehicle to smuggle three illegal immigrants in Karonga, last week.

UTM Spokesperson Frank Tumpale Mwenifumbo has confirmed of the development in a statement made available to faceofmalawi.

According to Mwenifumbo, the conduct of Mbale was against a provision in the UTM constitution on discipline.

“You are hereby suspended from your position as Regional Secretary for the North effective immediate pending investigation and verdict on the alleged misconduct that resulted in you being charged with aiding and abetting illegal immigrants. You allegedly used UTM party vehicle,” reads in part the letter addressed to Mbale.

Early last week,Mbale was detained and later arrested in Karonga after a police officer noticed some strange people who were in a UTM vehicle which Mbale was using.

It is alleged that she was smuggling the illegal immigrants from Karonga to Mzuzu.