Police in Karonga have arrested a 36-year-old woman, Ireen Nyondo, for allegedly stealing K145,000 at Mwambuli in the district.
Confirming the development with Malawi24, Karonga Police Public Relations Officer, Constable Margaret Msiska, stated that the incident occurred on January 28, 2026, at approximately 12:00 hours.
Nyondo is alleged to have stolen a SIM card belonging to her neighbour, who had approached her for assistance in checking her mobile money balance as she was not conversant with the phone.
Msiska said the complainant later realised that her SIM card was missing after her phone switched off while some neighbours were trying to help her.
She further explained that the complainant had K150,000 in her mobile money account and asked those present if anyone had taken the SIM card, but all denied the allegation, including the suspect.
The matter was then reported to the police.
“Police detectives instituted investigations and engaged the mobile network service provider to establish whether any transactions had been conducted on the number. It was established that K145,000 had been withdrawn in town. The mobile money agent who processed the transaction described the suspect, which led to her arrest the following day”, she said.
Upon questioning, the suspect admitted to having taken the SIM card and withdrawing the money.
Nyondo, who hails from Mwambuli Village in Traditional Authority Kyungu, is expected to appear in court soon to answer a charge of theft, contrary to Section 278 of the Penal Code.
