Police in Karonga have arrested a 32-year-old Congolese woman, Christine Manana, for allegedly being found in possession of US$23,900 believed to be counterfeit, and an additional US$14,070 without supporting documentation, at Songwe Border in the district.
Confirming the development with Malawi24, Karonga Police Public Relations Officer, Constable Margret Msiska, said the incident occurred on June 23, 2025, at around 11:00 a.m. Manana was returning to her country through the Songwe Border when she was stopped by an officer from the Fiscal and Fraud Section for a routine search.
During the search, officers discovered US$23,900 in her purse, suspected to be counterfeit, along with another US$14,070 without any documentation from a bank or foreign exchange bureau. The suspect was immediately arrested, and the currency was seized”, Msiska said.
Msiska further stated that investigations are underway to trace the source of the counterfeit notes, and the seized currency will be sent to the Reserve Bank of Malawi for further analysis.
Manana, who hails from Sudi Village in Kivu District, Democratic Republic of Congo, is expected to appear in court soon to answer charges of possession of counterfeit bank notes, illegal possession of foreign currency, and attempting to externalise foreign currency without proper authorisation.
By Wakisa Myamba
