By Burnett Munthali
Police officers stationed at Muloza border in Mulanje have arrested a 53-year-old Mozambican national, Fadweck Thomas, after he was found in illegal possession of 600 litres of diesel fuel.
According to authorities, Thomas was also attempting to export the fuel without any legal documentation or authorization, raising suspicions of fuel smuggling across the Malawi-Mozambique border.
The arrest was confirmed by South East Police Region spokesperson, Sub Inspector Edward Kabango, who provided further details surrounding the incident.
Kabango said the arrest took place on April 20, 2025, after border officers received a tip-off regarding suspicious activity involving a vehicle with Mozambican registration.
The tip-off revealed that a Toyota Land Cruiser bearing registration number MMS 93-48 was transporting three large drums of diesel that had been concealed under a lawn mower in the vehicle.
Acting on the information, police conducted a thorough search of the vehicle at the Muloza border post.
During the inspection, officers discovered the hidden diesel drums and immediately questioned the suspect regarding the fuel’s origin and intended destination.
Fadweck Thomas failed to produce any documentation proving the lawful possession of the fuel or any permit authorizing its export from Malawi.
As a result, the officers arrested him on the spot and formally charged him with two offenses: illegal possession of fuel and attempting to export goods without proper documentation.
Police say the suspect is currently in custody and is expected to appear in court on Tuesday following the conclusion of the Easter holiday.
This case adds to a growing number of cross-border smuggling incidents involving fuel and other controlled commodities in the southern region.
Authorities have since reiterated their commitment to enhancing security and surveillance measures at all border points to curb illegal trade and safeguard Malawi’s economy.
The suspect, Fadweck Thomas, is reported to be a resident of Villa Milanje in the Zambezia Province of Mozambique.
Police have also urged the public to report any suspicious activities involving illegal trade to help in combating smuggling and other economic crimes.
