Malawian Man Arrested in Lusaka for Posing as Doctor and Defrauding Patient’s Family
Published on September 18, 2025 at 3:02 PM by Evance Kapito
Police in Lusaka have arrested a 39-year-old Malawian man for allegedly pretending to be a medical doctor at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) and stealing money from a patient’s family.
Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga confirmed the arrest and identified the suspect as Michael Phiri, a former postgraduate medical student.
According to police, the incident happened on August 15, 2025, when Phiri met Susan Nambeya, 42, from Kanyama Compound, whose son had been admitted for surgery. He allegedly introduced himself as a doctor and offered to help her access surgery through Social Welfare services.
Phiri is accused of taking K20,000 from the required K40,000, promising to arrange the procedure. After receiving the money, he disappeared.
He was later caught on September 17, 2025, at Kabwata Police Station after being spotted and reported.
Phiri is now in custody and will appear in court soon.
Mr. Hamoonga has since warned the public to be alert against fraudsters targeting hospitals and vulnerable families.
“Anyone found pretending to be a medical professional to defraud innocent people will be pursued and brought before the law,” he said.
