By Twink Jones Gadama
Two Ugandan nationals, Sande Bernard and Butakye Robert, have been arrested by the Kasungu police for allegedly stealing K11.5 million from a local businessman, Austin Mubiwa.
According to Kasungu police publicist, Joseph Kachikho, the two suspects were apprehended at the Songwe border in Karonga as they attempted to exit the country.
The incident occurred on February 18, 2025, when Mubiwa visited a bank in Kasungu to withdraw money.
While waiting in line, he was approached by an unknown individual claiming to have US dollars and seeking to exchange them for Malawi Kwacha.
After withdrawing the money, Mubiwa accompanied the individual to a nearby restaurant, where he was introduced to two other suspects.
The suspects handed Mubiwa an envelope, allegedly containing 15,000 US dollars, and in exchange, Mubiwa gave them K11.5 million.
However, upon opening the envelope, Mubiwa discovered that it contained only papers, prompting him to report the incident to the police.
Inspector Kachikho praised the swift action of the police, who managed to recover the entire stolen amount. “We are pleased that our officers were able to act quickly and recover the stolen money,” Kachikho said. “This sends a strong message that we will not tolerate such criminal activities in our district.”
The arrest of the two Ugandan nationals has raised concerns about the increasing presence of foreign nationals involved in criminal activities in Malawi.
While the country has a long history of welcoming foreigners, there is growing concern that some individuals may be taking advantage of the country’s hospitality.
As the investigation into the incident continues, the police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being cautious when dealing with strangers, especially those who promise unusually high returns or make unsolicited offers.
In a related development, there have been reports of other incidents involving foreign nationals engaging in suspicious activities in Malawi.
While these incidents are still under investigation, they highlight the need for increased vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the public.
As the country continues to grapple with the challenges of economic development and security, incidents like this serve as a reminder of the importance of remaining vigilant and working together to prevent crime and protect the interests of citizens.
