5 Arrested Over Series of Theft Ccases In Mzuzu
Published on June 22, 2025 at 10:08 AM by Evance Kapito
Police in Mzuzu have arrested five men in connection with a series of theft cases involving the use of the child lock system in vehicles within the city.
According to Mzuzu police Deputy Public Relations Officer Sub Inspector Cecilia Mfune, the suspects Moffat Gondwe, Harry Mchereka, Lloyd Mponda, Joseph Phiri, and Jafali Maundala were arrested on June 21, 2025, in different parts of Mzuzu.
Mfune says the criminals would pretend to offer free rides to people, using vehicles with child locks to trap victims inside before stealing their phones and money. Some posed as taxi drivers, while others pretended to know their targets.
Following several complaints from the public, police launched an intelligence-driven operation, which led to the arrests. The suspects were found using a yellow Daihatsu Essey (RU 7722) and a white Honda Fit (BJ 10084), both of which have been seized.
The suspects which have already been identified by some victims and have admitted to committing some of the thefts will appear in court soon to answer theft charges under section 278 of the penal code.