Police Arrest Suspect in Mzuzu WhatsApp Scam That Defrauded Victims of K1.4 Million

Police in Mzuzu have arrested 51-year-old John Makisoni in connection with a WhatsApp scam that tricked people into sending money to criminals posing as a hospital administrator.

The incident occurred on June 18, 2026, at Mzuzu Central Hospital.

According to police records, the criminals hacked the phone number of Timothy Soko, the hospital’s administrator.

Once inside, they made themselves administrators of an official hospital WhatsApp group, then messaged Soko’s close contacts, claiming he urgently needed money and would repay them later.

In total, the suspects collected K1,431,650 from four victims.

Soko reported the case to Luwinga Police Unit on June 24, 2026.

Officers opened an investigation into the unknown suspects. With technical support from TNM and Airtel, the Luwinga team traced one of the numbers used to receive the funds—registered to a user in Lilongwe.

Since the suspect was outside Mzuzu’s jurisdiction, Luwinga police coordinated with Lingadzi Police in Lilongwe.

The joint operation led to Makisoni’s arrest in Lilongwe, after which he was transferred to Luwinga for questioning.

During interrogation, Makisoni allegedly admitted receiving the money. He claimed the funds were later sent to a foreign mobile number, and that he kept 15% as commission.

Investigations continue to identify and arrest the remaining suspect believed to have taken over Soko’s WhatsApp account.

Makisoni is expected to appear in court soon to face a charge of fraud other than false pretenses.

According to Sergeant Edson Chipeni, Assistant Public Relations Officer at Mzuzu Police Station, Makisoni hails from Kadulanya Village, under Traditional Authority Kamenyagwaza in Dedza District.