Eight robbery suspects arrested in intelligence led police operation in Lilongwe

By Michael Martin//MALAWI

Detectives and general duties officers from Lingadzi Police Station have arrested eight suspects following an intelligence driven operation conducted in parts of Lilongwe.

The operation targeted Mtandire, Mtsiriza and Piasani areas which have recently recorded a rise in robbery incidents.

Lingadzi Police Station Public Relations Officer, Sergeant Maria Kumwenda has confirmed the development in a statement released to the media.

Sergeant Kumwenda said the coordinated exercise was based on credible intelligence gathered over time regarding criminal activities in the affected areas.

“As a result of the operation, eight individuals believed to be behind a series of robberies were apprehended,” said Kumwenda.

Kumwenda identified suspects as Blessings Mhango (20), Lazalo Josephy (28), Daniel Chalota (23), Frank Yohane (19), John Kamunga (28), Kelvin Mlombwa (18), Ted Jeremiah (23), and Shambani Ayami (28).

She alleges that the suspects have been terrorizing residents in ABC, Area 47, Mtandire, and Mtsiriza.

According to Kumwenda, the group mainly targeted unsuspecting victims, robbing them of mobile phones and cash.

“Two of the suspects, Blessings Mhango and Lazalo Josephy, were arrested in connection with the theft of an iPhone valued at K1,200,000.00.

“The phone was allegedly stolen from Charity Saopa Nkhata on December 21, 2025,” she added.

She said that the remaining six suspects are wanted in connection with multiple robbery cases reported in different parts of the city.

Investigations are currently underway to recover stolen property and to establish the full extent of the suspects’ involvement in the crimes.

Police have since revealed the suspects’ places of origin, which span several districts across the country.

Authorities have assured the public that more arrests are likely as investigations continue.

Sergeant Kumwenda has appealed to the public to continue cooperating with police by providing information that may help curb criminal activities in their communities.