A 38-year-old ex-Malawi Defence Force soldier, Daniel Yohane is among four more suspects that have been arrested for the failed heist in Blantyre.

Yohane was arrested at Mapanga Malawi Prison Training School in Blantyre where he was being trained as a prison warder.

This brings the number of those arrested to 10.

Last week, Chichiri Shopping Mall was the scene of a bloody shootout when armed robbed were taken by surprise with the swift, heavy tactical response of the Police.

South West Region Police Publicist, Beatrice Mikuwa said the arrests are part of ongoing investigations to dismantle the crew and other suspected rings which have been causing havoc in Blantyre and other districts.

She explained the information leading to the fresh arrests of the suspects came from other suspects.

Yohane and the others are being charged with four counts including the offence of attempted robbery and being found in possession of offensive weapons. 

In a related development, a suspected robber died on Tuesday at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital where he was receiving treatment for gunshot wounds he sustained when he tried to avoid arrest.