Ntcheu Police Arrest 62-Year-Old Man for Possessing Live Pangolin
Published on December 4, 2025 at 10:45 AM by Evance Kapito
Police in Ntcheu, working hand in hand with the Department of Wildlife and Forestry, have arrested a 62-year-old man, Mateyu Malitchi, after he was found with a pangolin, one of the country’s highly protected wild animals.
Ntcheu Police spokesperson Jacob Khembo confirmed the arrest, identifying Malitchi as a resident of Khozi Village under Traditional Authority Makwangwala in the district.
According to reports, Malitchi is suspected to have been attempting to sell the pangolin in the Bawi area along the Ntcheu–Balaka Road. Community members who became suspicious alerted the police, leading officers to swiftly move in and apprehend the suspect.
Police have since seized the pangolin, which is being kept as evidence as they prepare the case for court.
Authorities have applauded members of the public for their vigilance and have reminded citizens that the illegal possession, trafficking, or sale of pangolins is a serious offence under Malawi’s wildlife laws.
Malitchi is expected to appear in court soon to answer charges relating to the possession of a protected species.
