Airport Police at Kamuzu International Airport have arrested a Dedza-based businessman, Chisomo Malowa, for attempting to export foreign currency without a permit and for possessing it illegally.
According to Inspector Sapulain Chitonde Lee, Public Relations Officer for the Airport Police at Kamuzu International Airport, the arrest took place on January 15 at approximately 7:20 AM, when Airport Police detectives intercepted Malowa as he was about to board a Malawian Airlines flight to Johannesburg, South Africa.
During a routine check, Malowa declared that he was carrying Eight Thousand One Hundred South African Rands (SAR 8,100.00), but failed to produce the required authorization documents from the relevant authorities.
Police immediately arrested the suspect and confiscated the money.
A case file has since been opened and Malowa will face two charges. The first charge relates to possession of foreign currency and attempting to externalize it without the requisite permits, contrary to regulation 25(1) as read with regulation 25(a) of the Exchange Control Regulations made under section 3 of the Exchange Control Act.
The second charge is contrary to regulation 11(1) of the Exchange Control Regulations made under the Exchange Control Act, Cap 45:01 of the Laws of Malawi.
Malowa, born on January 10, 1989, is a businessman from Eliya Village, Traditional Authority Kaphuka in Dedza District. He is expected to appear in court once all necessary police paperwork is completed.
Meanwhile, Airport Police has warned travelers to strictly comply with foreign exchange regulations, emphasizing that the law will take its course on all offenders.
