The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has launched a crackdown on corruption in public hospitals to eliminate bribery and the abuse of patients. According to a statement by Acting Director General Gabriel Gift Chembezi, the ACB is directing health facilities to enforce stricter identification systems, including mandatory name tags and uniforms. The Bureau is pushing for the digitisation of hospital operations to close administrative loopholes and root out middlemen, known locally as dobadobas. The ACB warned it will conduct regular surveillance operations to catch staff demanding illegal payments from the public.
In Lilongwe, police arrested two suspects in connection with a violent robbery and abduction, according to Face of Malawi. Bruno Munlo Makina and Eric Phakamisa were apprehended for allegedly abducting two victims near Kamuzu Central Hospital and assaulting them at Lilongwe Girls Cemetery. Police confirmed the suspects stole K270,000 in cash and acted with eight accomplices who remain at large. The two men are also documented suspects in the ongoing Zikwange Gang political violence trials.
Meanwhile, Mzuzu police arrested a 42-year-old man linked to a string of vehicle break-ins. Mzuzu Police Station Deputy Public Relations Officer Sergeant Angella Harawa confirmed the arrest of Gift Mhango, who reportedly confessed to breaking into over 25 vehicles at Shoprite and Sana Shopping Mall, according to Face of Malawi. Officers recovered K500,000 in cash and various household items during the investigation.
In a separate incident highlighting community policing, residents in Chinsapo apprehended a 23-year-old man found in possession of 11 stolen water meters. Face of Malawi reports that the suspect, Gift Masula, was intercepted by alert locals and handed over to authorities. Lilongwe Water Board Acting Chief Executive Officer Maclenan Nyang'wa publicly praised the community for their intervention, noting that infrastructure vandalism leads to heavy financial losses and disrupts the public water supply.
Finally, police in Chikwawa District launched a manhunt for suspects involved in a fatal mob justice incident. According to Face of Malawi, 31-year-old Yohane Maloti was killed and set ablaze in Ndagonera Village after being accused of stealing a goat. Chikwawa Police Deputy Public Relations Officer Chancy Zare Mfune condemned the attack and appealed to the public for information to assist with arresting the perpetrators.