23 Arrested Over Illegal Possession of Firearms and Explosives

Malawi Police have confirmed the arrest of 23 individuals suspected of illegally possessing dangerous weapons, including firearms and explosives.

Deputy National Police Spokesperson Harry Namwaza, has confirmed the arrest and said the suspects include three members of the Malawi Defence Force (MDF), two Chinese nationals, and one British national.

Namwaza explained that the arrests followed a tip-off from concerned citizens linking a man identified as Mike Minjale to the illegal importation and distribution of firearms in the country.

Minjale was arrested on 3 June  2025, at a checkpoint in Ngumbe, Blantyre, leading to a series of coordinated police operations across several districts, including Blantyre, Nsanje, Chiradzulu, Zomba, Lilongwe, Ntchisi, and Dowa.

During the operations, police recovered various weapons including pistols, 415 rounds of live ammunition, and 325 explosive devices.

Authorities have since warned the public against purchasing or possessing firearms without proper licenses, emphasizing that doing so is a serious offense under Malawian law.

All suspects are expected to appear in court soon to face charges related to illegal possession and distribution of weapons.