The Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services (DICS) Headquarters in Blantyre has arrested a 27-year-old Malawian national on allegations of impersonating Immigration officers and obtaining money by false pretence.
Kelvin Mpinga was apprehended on January 21, 2026, after allegedly demanding money from passport applicants while falsely claiming to be acting on behalf of Immigration officers stationed at the Immigration Headquarters in Blantyre.
According to a statement signed by Sergeant Francis Chitambuli, Deputy National Public Relations Officer at DICS, the suspect targeted unsuspecting passport applicants, collecting money under the guise that he could facilitate, fast-track, or guarantee the successful processing of their passport applications.
Chitambuli states that these actions were carried out without any mandate or authority from the Department and amount to criminal impersonation and fraud, offences contrary to Section 99 and Section 319 of the Penal Code, respectively.
Meanwhile, the DICS has urged Malawians to seek Immigration-related services strictly through authorized Immigration officers and official channels only.
“Passport application procedures are free except payment of prescribed passport fees, and passport size photos fees which are accompanied by General Receipts,” states Chitambuli.
Members of the public have been encouraged to immediately report any individual who demands unauthorized payments or claims to represent Immigration officers without proof.
The Department reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of its operations and protecting the public from fraud and exploitation.
Kelvin Mpinga who hails from Jana Village in the area of Traditional Authority Mponda in Blantyre, is currently in Police custody and is awaiting the completion of legal procedures and possible prosecution.
