Police Nab Two Over Unlicensed Firearms in Neno
Published on April 8, 2026 at 2:45 PM by Edgar Naitha
Police in Neno, in the early hours of today, arrested two men on allegations of being found in possession of two rifles (muzzle loaders) without licences.
The suspects have been identified as Blessings KalongaBlessings Kalonga, 43, from Amoni Tsute Village under Traditional Authority Sawali in Balaka, and Joseph Mthengu, 34, from Galeta Village under Traditional Authority Mlauli in Neno.
Neno District Police Publicist Rebecca Msoliza said the police received a tip-off from members of the community that the first suspect, Blessings Kalonga, was keeping a rifle at his home.
“A follow-up operation was conducted, and on the night of April 8, 2026, police raided his house, leading to his arrest and the recovery of a muzzle-loading rifle. Upon questioning, he confessed to having bought the firearm from the second suspect, Joseph Mthengu,” she said.
Mthengu was arrested the same night, and upon searching his house, police recovered another muzzle-loading rifle.
The two are expected to appear in court soon to answer charges of being found in possession of rifles without licences.
