Lingadzi Police Recover K20.7 Million in Tech After Woodlands Hotel Heist

Police at Lingadzi Station in Lilongwe have successfully recovered a cache of stolen electronic gadgets valued at K20,790,000, following a high-stakes robbery at the Woodlands Hotel on Sunday.

The recovery occurred after an intensive intelligence-led operation that culminated in a police chase into the Sanctuary Forest.

The incident, which took place on February 1, 2026, was described by authorities as a coordinated attack. According to Lingadzi Police Public Relations Officer, Sergeant Maria Kumwenda, five unidentified criminals stormed the hotel premises and terrorized both guests and staff.

The gang reportedly rounded up five security guards from Grada World who were on night duty. The guards were tied up alongside hotel occupants, who were forced to sit on the floor while the criminals demanded cash and valuables.

“The criminals managed to go away with two Samsung phones, an HP laptop, six iPhones, and cash with the total value of stolen items amounting to K30,461,000,” Kumwenda revealed.

Following the robbery, Lingadzi detectives utilized intelligence-driven tactics to track one of the stolen devices. The trail led officers to the Sanctuary Forest, a dense area in Lilongwe often used as a hideout.

During the pursuit, the suspects were forced to abandon their loot to evade capture. Police successfully recovered:

• 6 iPhones

• 2 Samsung Smartphones

• 1 HP Laptop

While the recovered items total K20.7 million, the police are still working to track the remaining cash and the suspects themselves.

Sergeant Kumwenda has assured the public that a manhunt is underway to bring the five criminals to justice. The police have also commended the swift reporting by the victims, which allowed the tracking team to engage before the gadgets could be wiped or sold.

Management at Woodlands Hotel has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the security breach, but police presence remains heightened in the area